Caleb Williams might eventually become one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks.
But Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud could see what everyone else saw on Sunday Night Football.
GettyCaleb Williams had another rough game and this one was on primetime TV[/caption]
Williams struggled for the second consecutive week, this time on primetime national TV.
“We didn’t execute the way we needed to,” Williams said. “We’re going to keep getting better. I’m a young guy and it’s a long season.”
After the soaring Houston Texans improved to 2-0 with a 19-13 home victory against the Chicago Bears, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year attempted to help the recent No. 1 overall pick of the NFL Draft.
With cameras zooming in on the field, Stroud approached Williams and delivered a heartfelt personal message.
“Just keep going,” Stroud recalled telling Williams. “It’s not going to be easy. You got picked at one for a reason, because they trust in you and they believe in you.”
Fans loved the sincerity from Stroud, who easily won the QB battle on Sunday.
“Caleb had a rough night,” one fan tweeted. “I was hoping he’d find a way to get things going a little bit but he had hardly any time to react to the constant pressure.”
Stroud, the former No. 2 pick out of Ohio State, completed 23-of-36 passes for 260 yards, one touchdown and a 94.7 rating.
Williams held back the Bears’ offense, completing 23-of-37 passes for just 174 yards and a 51 rating.
The former USC standout and Heisman Trophy winner also threw two interceptions and failed to toss a TD for the second week in succession.
x@nflTexans QB C.J. Stroud walked up to Williams and whispered in his ear[/caption]
x@nflWilliams appeared to appreciate the friendly advice from the winning QB[/caption]
Williams was heavily blitzed by the DeMeco Ryans-coached Texans.
Chicago’s QB was sacked seven times and received 11 hits.
“He was able to evade the rush and get on the perimeter a few times, but then he has to be careful with the football when he gets out there,” Chicago coach Matt Eberflus said. “So, there were some great learning moments for him.”
While fans praised Stroud for his sportsmanship, others worried about Williams’ immediate NFL future.
He was bailed out by Chicago’s defense in a Week 1 win, and now has an overall 53 rating while still searching for his first TD throw.
Stroud again looked like an MVP candidate for the Texans, who are approaching the top of the Super Bowl contenders rankings.
Williams clearly has work to do and the Bears’ offensive line struggles won’t make his job easier.
“One in the NFL, one in the CFL,” a fan posted.
The good news for Williams is that Chicago’s schedule eases up in the coming weeks.
Indianapolis, the Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers are up next, and all are winnable games for Williams.
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