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Caleb Williams breaks down what really happened on botched throw to DJ Moore in Week 1

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Original Story by Sports Illustrated
September 11, 2025
Caleb Williams breaks down what really happened on botched throw to DJ Moore in Week 1

Context:

Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears quarterback, faced scrutiny after missing a crucial touchdown pass to DJ Moore in a close game against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite criticism from fans, veteran quarterbacks like Kurt Warner and Ryan Fitzpatrick defended Williams, suggesting that the mistake was not entirely his fault as Moore altered his route unexpectedly. Williams took responsibility for the miscommunication, acknowledging the need for better precision in future plays. The game ended in a narrow loss for the Bears, who struggled with penalties and execution errors in the second half. With an upcoming game against the Detroit Lions, Williams and the Bears have a chance to rebound and change the narrative around their performance.

Dive Deeper:

  • Caleb Williams' performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 was described as 'fine,' with a mix of impressive throws and some he wished he could redo, notably a missed touchdown to DJ Moore.

  • Fans expressed their concern over Williams' missed throw on social media, though veteran quarterbacks defended him, attributing the mistake to Moore's unexpected route change.

  • Williams addressed the media, taking responsibility for the botched play and promising to improve his delivery to ensure Moore receives the ball more effectively in future games.

  • The Bears' loss was not solely due to Williams' missed throw; the team struggled with penalties, execution errors, and questionable play-calling, contributing to their defeat by only three points.

  • Looking ahead, the Bears have the opportunity to rectify their performance with a Week 2 game against the Detroit Lions, where a win could alleviate the pressure on Williams and the team.

  • Bryan Perez, a respected figure in NFL Draft media and former scout, highlighted that Williams was not the primary reason for the Bears' loss, as he was one of the key players keeping them competitive.

  • The narrative surrounding Caleb Williams' NFL future has become concerning, but his accountability and support from veteran players provide hope for improvement in upcoming games.

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