Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Former HC calls Bears QB Caleb Williams 'a generational talent'

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Nov 10, 2025 8:02 PM ET

The Chicago Bears have won six of their last seven games after an 0-2 start and are right in the thick of the playoff picture.

A lot of that has to do with the clutch play from quarterback Caleb Williams, who has four game-winning drives in the fourth quarter and overtime this season, which is tied for the most in the NFL with Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix and Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield.

That type of play, combined with some help around him and head coach Ben Johnson's scheme, is why former HC and current ESPN analyst Rex Ryan has high remarks for the QB and playoff expectations for the Bears.

Rex Ryan offers high praise for Caleb Williams

"He's a generational talent, and now, you pair him with a heck of a football coach that, and like I say, he's gonna keep climbing guys," Ryan said during Monday's edition of "Get Up." "And when it's all said and done, is this a playoff team? It kind of looks that way."

Rex Ryan says Caleb Williams is a "generational talent" pic.twitter.com/jA6TG9tcz9
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 10, 2025

Williams, the first pick in the 2024 draft out of USC, has passed for 2,136 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions this season. He also has the third-most rush yards on the team (246) and three touchdowns, showcasing the dual-threat ability he brings to the offense.

Wide receivers Rome Odunze (559 yards, six touchdowns) and DJ Moore (403 yards, one touchdown) have been reliable options down the field, as has rookie tight end Colston Loveland (289 yards, two touchdowns), who has been impressive in his debut season.

Williams has only been sacked 14 times this season, a far cry from the league-high 68 sacks he took last season, proving how effective he can be when given the time to operate and make plays in the pocket.

To be fair, Chicago (6-3) has only faced one team with a record above .500 this season, a 52-21 loss to the Detroit Lions (6-3) in Week 2. At the same time, the Bears have taken care of business against lesser competition, albeit with a late touchdown in the final minute to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals and a fourth-quarter rally to take down the New York Giants the last two weeks alone.

With four divisional games and road trips to the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, bigger challenges remain for the Bears as they look to return to the postseason for the first time since the 2020 season.

Williams may only have the 17th-best QBR (57.8) this season, but his ability to make clutch plays in dire moments shows a QB who is rounding into form and stepping up when his team needs him most.

If Williams keeps making key plays when he is counted on the most, the Bears could have a legitimate chance of contending for a playoff spot, even with a challenging schedule ahead.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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