Bears prepare for wild card clash vs. Packers as Williams aims for postseason victory

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a crucial wild card matchup against the Green Bay Packers, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams poised to make history.

Why it matters: This game represents not only a chance for the Bears to advance in the playoffs but also an opportunity for Williams to cement his status among the franchise's greats.

• A victory would make him the first Bears quarterback since Jim Harbaugh in 1991 to defeat the Packers twice in a single season, including playoff action.

What’s new: The Bears and Packers will meet for the third time this season, marking their third playoff encounter ever.

• In their last meeting on December 20, Williams led the Bears to a thrilling 22-16 overtime victory, throwing a 46-yard game-winning touchdown pass to DJ Moore.

By the numbers: Williams has already established himself as a significant player for the Bears this season.

• He set the franchise record for single-season passing yards with 3,942, complemented by 27 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions, showcasing a strong passer rating of 90.1.

Yes, but: Despite his impressive statistics, Williams fell short of becoming the first Bears quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a season.

• Head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged the complexity of achieving that milestone but remains optimistic about Williams’ overall growth.

Between the lines: Johnson, now in his second year as head coach after a successful tenure with the Detroit Lions, believes deeply in Williams' potential.

• "He's a completely different quarterback than when we first took this job... I'm encouraged for where he's at right now," Johnson stated, emphasizing the progress Williams has made.

What to watch: As the Bears prepare for the Wild Card showdown, the focus will be on how effectively Williams can exploit the Packers' defensive schemes.

• The Packers operate primarily out of a 3-4 defense, which could present challenges for Williams, particularly in terms of managing pressure and making quick decisions.

Our thought bubble: Williams' confidence heading into the playoffs is palpable, as he expressed a readiness to rise to the occasion.

• "I feel that I've grown tremendously so far this year and it's exciting to see... Whatever it takes is where I'm at," he remarked, indicating his commitment to leading the Bears in this pivotal moment.

The bottom line: With an 11-win season behind them, the Bears aim to build on their successes against the Packers and leverage Williams' burgeoning talent to push deeper into the postseason.

• The upcoming wild card game not only holds the promise of advancing in the playoffs but also sets the stage for a new era of Bears football under Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson’s guidance.