Caleb Williams, the second overall pick in the 2024 draft, has not only overcome an 0-2 start to put the Bears in playoff position, but through nine games is on pace to throw for 4,035 yards. This would shatter the current franchise high of 3,838 yards thrown by Erik Kramer in 1995.

Still, the fact remains that you are inevitably what your record says you are. And the Bears, while flawed and striving to improve, are a good team that currently sits at 6th in the NFC playoff standings and remains firmly in the running to win their division.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on working through his progressions: “We’ve got special guys, so sometimes you need to hang on it and let it rip.”

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson returned to practice Friday when the team opened a 21-day evaluation window to activate him from injured reserve or lose him for the remainder of the season.

After totaling six drops -- four of which belonged to Olamide Zaccheaus -- there's an expectation that a bigger role will emerge for rookie second-round pick Luther Burden III, who's been one of Chicago's best playmakers whenever his number has been called.

Our Take: The Athletic’s theme for the week for each team is their breakout player. For the Bears, that is obviously quarterback Caleb Williams. He has had his ups and downs this season, but with Ben Johnson at the helm, Williams is showing that he could be a star in the league in short order.