Williams struggled especially in the second half as the pressure increased and he had to make his decisions quicker. Both of his interceptions on Sunday night came in the final two quarters as he tried to make an impact. After completing 12 of 15 passes for 91 yards and a 91.9 passer rating in the first half, the QB completed 11 of 22 attempts for 83 yards, two INTs and a 21.6 rating in the second half.

Williams had problems against the blitz in particular. The No. 1 pick had a passer rating of 4.9 against the blitz in Week 2 according to Next Gen Stats – the worst of all games in the NGS era (2016, min. 20 dropbacks against the blitz). Against the blitz, Williams managed 3 of 12 with five sacks and one interception.

Eberflus said that for the newcomer it was just a learning process.

“There were certain moments where I thought he did a really good job of running up in the pocket and making some good throws, so some really good positives to look at,” Eberflus said. “Then he was also able to avoid the rush a couple of times and get to the perimeter a couple of times. He’s got to be careful with the football when he comes outside when he’s throwing the ball in a scramble drill. So those were great learning moments for him in terms of the pressure you’re talking about, what to do and when to do it.”

According to Next Gen Stats, the Bears’ starting offensive line allowed 28 QB pressures, with tackles on Hunter and Anderson particularly struggling: Braxton Jones allowed eight pressures; Darnell Wright six pressures; Teven Jenkins six; Nate Davis four; Coleman Shelton four.

The seven sacks allowed were the most allowed by a Bears team since Week 17 in 2022 in Detroit (also seven).