In a showdown across the pond in London, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams showcased the potential that made him the first overall pick in the draft, while Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence continued to struggle to live up to the expectations placed on him.
Williams put on a show, tossing four touchdown passes as the Bears secured a decisive victory over the Jaguars. On the other hand, Lawrence had a rough outing, missing throws and committing costly mistakes that are uncharacteristic of a former top overall pick in his fourth NFL season.
Chicago’s offense flourished, with Williams connecting with Cole Kmet and Keenan Allen for two touchdown receptions each. Kmet even stepped up on special teams, taking over long snapping duties when the starter, Scott Daly, went down with an injury. D’Andre Swift added a rushing touchdown, continuing his strong play in recent weeks after a slow start to the season.
Sitting at 4-2, the Bears find themselves in playoff contention, a scenario that seemed improbable before the season began. The prospect of reaching the postseason in Williams’ rookie year would be a significant milestone for a franchise that has long sought stability at the quarterback position.
Meanwhile, Lawrence’s struggles persisted as he finished the game with 234 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception before being replaced by Mac Jones late in the game. The Jaguars’ record dropped to 1-5, painting a grim picture for a team that appears lost on the field.
Owner Shad Khan expressed confidence in General Manager Trent Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson, but the team’s on-field performance raises doubts about their direction. Speculation is already swirling about the possibility of the Jaguars selecting Lawrence’s successor with the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
It’s a stark contrast to see Williams flourishing after just six games, while Lawrence’s future looks uncertain after more than three seasons in the league. Fans in Chicago and Jacksonville are undoubtedly grappling with conflicting emotions as they assess the trajectories of their young quarterbacks.