Caleb Williams had a memorable moment for all the wrong reasons during the Chicago Bears’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Early in the game, as the Bears offense struggled to gain any momentum, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft inadvertently threw a pass directly into his teammate’s face, creating a viral moment that quickly spread across social media.
In the opening stages of the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Bears managed just seven total yards on their first six plays, resulting in two consecutive punts. Williams, known for his poise and accuracy, had early difficulties finding his wide receivers, as the Bears’ offense sputtered against the Jaguars’ defense.
The Bears’ offensive woes hit a comical peak when Williams, attempting to make a sidearm throw to avoid pressure, accidentally fired the ball directly into the face of offensive lineman Matt Pryor. Pryor had been engaged in blocking a linebacker and stepped right into the trajectory of Williams’ pass, resulting in the ball bouncing harmlessly off his face and falling to the ground. Fortunately for Williams and the Bears, the play was ruled an incomplete pass rather than a turnover.
Social media exploded with reactions to the awkward play, as fans couldn’t help but troll Williams for the mishap. One fan humorously labeled the Bears’ offense a “clown show,” while another added, “As a Bears fan, this is funny.” Some fans even dug up an old clip from the Bears’ 2022 season, when former quarterback Justin Fields made a similar mistake, throwing a pass that bounced off the back of teammate Michael Schofield’s head.
RELATED: Hot Mic Captures Bears Center Hilariously Cursing at Caleb Williams During Pre-Play Exchange
Despite the embarrassing moment, Williams quickly rebounded from the gaffe and showcased why he was the top pick in the draft. Later in the game, he connected with tight end Cole Kmet twice in the end zone, helping the Bears take a commanding 14-3 lead by halftime. His ability to shake off the early miscue and lead the offense down the field was a testament to his composure and talent.
Williams continued to shine throughout the rest of the game, guiding Chicago to a comfortable victory over Jacksonville. His performance, even with the viral blunder, has solidified his status as a promising rookie quarterback.
As his debut season progresses, Williams’ ability to recover from mistakes and make big plays will be key to the Bears’ success.
The Bears’ victory in London and Williams’ resilience in the face of an amusing error left fans hopeful about the future of their offense.
While the sidearm pass off a teammate’s face may live on in social media infamy, Williams’ overall play continues to prove that he has the potential to be a game-changer in Chicago’s rebuilding process.