Bears vs. Jaguars: Start Time, TV, Live Stream Info, More for NFL Game in London
Oct 13, 2024
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 06: Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws the football in action during a game between the Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers on October 06, 2024 at Soldier Field, in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The NFL is back in London this Sunday for the second game of the 2024 NFL International Series.
After the Minnesota Vikings defeated the New York Jets last Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars are headed to north London for a Week 6 matchup.
Here's all the information you need to know before tuning in to this international matchup.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears
Date: Sunday, October 13
Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, United Kingdom
Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. ET
Broadcast: NFL Network, Sky Sports
Livestream: Fubo, NFL+ in the Chicago area, Game Pass International for those outside the United States, Canada and China
Both the Bears and Jaguars are looking to ride the momentum of Week 5 wins into this international matchup.
Last week, Caleb Williams led the Bears into their first two-game win streak of the season by passing for 304 yards and two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers at home. He is now looking to power Chicago to the franchise's first stretch of three straight wins since 2020.
Trevor Lawrence meanwhile helped the Jaguars snap their season-opening four-game losing streak with 371 passing yards and two touchdowns in a win over the visiting Indianapolis Colts.
Chicago offensive coordinator Shane Waldron seems likely to lean on Williams' passing accuracy, which has improved throughout his rookie season so far, as well as top receiver DJ Moore in order to put pressure on the Jaguars' shaky pass defense. Jacksonville is one of two NFL teams to allow opposing offenses more than 1,500 passing yards through five games.
The Bears, on the other hand, have been highly effective in limiting opponents' passing options. Lawrence will have a tougher time reenacting his Week 5 performance against Chicago than he did against Indianapolis. The Jaguars may need to lean on running back Travis Etienne Jr. as well as Tank Bigsby, who has rushed for two touchdowns in Jacksonville's last two games, to drive offense against the Bears.
The Jaguars have the advantage of a history of success in international games. Jacksonville boasts a 6-5 overall mark in London, and last season entered the series with a 1-2 record before defeating the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills in consecutive weeks.
Jacksonville is set for a similar international back-to-back this fall. Lawrence and the Jaguars will return to London next Sunday to face the New England Patriots in a Week 7 clash at Wembley Stadium.
NFL Legend Charles Tillman Talks Caleb Williams, Bears and More in B/R Interview
Oct 11, 2024
CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 09: Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears against the Carolina Panthers during a preseason NFL game at Bank of America Stadium on August 9, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers won 24-17. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears have been searching for a franchise quarterback since, well, forever.
And they may have finally found one.
Start the hype train now because Caleb Williams looked every bit the part of franchise quarterback in the making while going 20-of-29 for 304 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions in Sunday's win over the Carolina Panthers. It was just the fifth start of the No. 1 overall pick's career, and he was already directing the show at the line of scrimmage, escaping pressure with his legs and lofting perfectly placed deep balls downfield.
But the entire offense will need to operate efficiently around him if Chicago is going to live up to playoff expectations, and nobody knows that better than a Bears legend who helped lead the team to the Super Bowl as part of an impressive overall group during his own playing career.
"I like what he's doing," Charles Tillman told Bleacher Report when discussing Williams. "I think people put too much pressure on Caleb. Caleb's not the entire offense. Caleb is a piece of the offense. And I think people don't give credit to DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, Marcedes Lewis, Keenan Allen, D'Andre Swift. People don't give them enough credit. They put too much pressure on Caleb to try to make plays, and that's not fair. It's a team sport, the goal is to get 11 guys doing one thing and not one guy doing 11 different things.
"Caleb's a piece of the pie. Now, he's a big piece of it, but he's still a piece of a pie. What I saw last week when they played Carolina, they played extremely well. The most important thing they did was they had consistency. They played a not so good Carolina Panthers team. But at the same time, you've gotta start somewhere. Hopefully that gives them enough momentum."
Caleb Williams drops a dime to DJ Moore for their 2nd TD connection of the day!
Momentum is exactly what Williams is building after a slow start.
While he threw for just 93 yards in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans and was sacked seven times in Week 2 against the Houston Texans, the rookie's steady improvement is evident by his passer rating increasing from 55.7 and 51.0 in those first two games to 80.8 in Week 3, 106.6 in Week 4 and 126.2 in the blowout win over Carolina in Week 5.
That is exactly what the front office envisioned when it surrounded him with plenty of talent in Moore, Allen, Rome Odunze, Kmet and Swift, among others, and he is already making significant jumps with little experience.
It also helps having one of the league's best defenses consistently getting Williams and Co. the ball back.
Chicago is fifth in the league in points allowed per game (17), sixth in passing yards allowed per game (174) and seventh in overall yards allowed per game (294.8). The defense has gone 11 straight games dating back to last season allowing 21 or fewer points and already set the tone this year with two defensive/special teams touchdowns in the Week 1 win over the Titans.
And that is music to Tillman's ears considering he was a cornerback for teams that were defined by dominant defenses during his playing days.
"The defense is playing phenomenal," he said. "And they're playing like a team. The star of this defense is the defense. Jaylon Johnson, T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, they play well together. We've got a great secondary. Jaquan Brisker just comes downhill out of that defensive backfield. Jaquan is an old-school type player who plays downhill. Kyler Gordon is another one who is a really good nickel player who makes plays. Whether it's interceptions or filling the gaps, he's a quick, shifty guy. They're playing well."
WILL LEVIS THROWS A PICK SIX
BEARS HAVE SCORED 24 UNANSWERED POINTS. FIRST LEAD OF THE GAME 😲
As Tillman said, the defense has playmakers at every level with Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter Sr. leading the way for the defensive line, Edwards and Edmunds at linebacker, and a secondary with playmakers all over in Johnson, Brisker, Gordon, Kevin Byard III and Tyrique Stevenson.
But it comes as no surprise that Johnson stands out to Tillman given his cornerback pedigree.
"Jaylon Johnson has really stepped his game up in Chicago," Tillman said. "I'm kind of glad he's not wearing No. 33 anymore. He's not living in my shadow, he's No. 1 and he's his own player and making that number famous. I really love what his game has evolved to and where he's going right now."
Tillman also highlighted Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos and Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins as cornerbacks he enjoys watching in today's game while praising the former's "footwork" and the latter's willingness to take a physical approach and "not mind tackling."
The two-time Pro Bowler will have the opportunity to watch Johnson overseas on Sunday when the Bears take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
As part of the lead up to the game, Tillman and former Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew worked with USAA and traveled to the United States military base RAF Lakenheath in England to participate in meet and greets, tour the facilities and even help coach the military members in a football camp.
Military members competed in USAA's Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp and participated in drills such as the 40-yard dash, three-cone shuffle and quarterback arm challenge all while Tillman and Jones-Drew coached them up.
"I love coming on base," Tillman said. "I love doing these tours. I love teaming up with USAA. I love what they're about. They're about giving back."
Participating in the event was an easy choice for the former Bears cornerback given his family connection.
"It resonated with me because my dad served in the Army," he said. "From the time I was born to the time I graduated high school, I lived on military bases. Anytime I can team up with the military and USAA, it's just cool. I know what those service members go through. I know what it's like to be away.
"I know what it's like to live on a base in another country. Giving back, which is signing a couple autographs and hanging out with them, is like the easiest thing to do. For me, it was fun. I really enjoy it. It's nostalgic for me. It takes me back to that childhood."
Nostalgia is exactly what NFL and Bears fans in particular likely feel when they see defensive backs in today's game punch the ball out in the same way that made Tillman famous during his playing days.
Tillman forced 44 fumbles in his career, an astounding 10 of which came when he led the league in 2012. His famous Peanut Punch maneuver was part of a playmaking Bears defense that helped lead the team to the Super Bowl during the 2006 campaign and the NFC Championship Game during the 2010 season.
Charles Tillman is a HOFer and I’ll never let that go
Revolutionized DB play. More Turnovers Created than any in his era. Iconic performances vs Moss, Megatron, etc. Held back by writer awards.
"I know when it happens because I'll be doing something or be at one of my kids' games and my phone just starts blowing up," Tillman said. "It's Peanut punch this, Peanut punch that. It's pretty cool, and then I go straight to Instagram or Twitter and I see all these people tag me in the video. I really do appreciate the broadcasters giving me credit for it. That is very much appreciated."
The 2003 second-round pick played 12 seasons in Chicago and one in Carolina and built a resume that included two Pro Bowl nods, a First-Team All-Pro selection and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
He also tallied 38 total interceptions and returned eight of them for touchdowns, further highlighting his playmaking ability.
But he knows it was his ability to force fumbles as a cornerback that stood out the most.
"There's definitely an element of pride when I see the Peanut punch," Tillman said. "It lets me know that I left my mark. I think it's even cooler now that my kids are teenagers. They get to see it, and they think it's pretty cool. I think it's cool that my kids think it's cool. That's the beauty of it. And just to let you know that you've left your mark on a part of the game, that means something.
"That speaks to the player that I was when I did play. I was just trying to do something different and think outside the box. To be retired since 2016 and people still reference my name to the game? That's no different than someone saying, 'oh, you got Mossed!' Randy Moss left his mark on the game of football. So I kind of left my small mark, too. I do feel good about that. It's humbling."
Tillman feeling humbled in retirement is certainly a full-circle moment, as he humbled plenty of receivers when he was starring in the NFL.
Tom Brady Pursuit in 2020 Confirmed by Bears Owner: 'It Didn't Work out for Us'
Oct 10, 2024
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 6: Fox Sports commentator and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady reacts prior to an NFL Football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears almost went from a franchise that had never found a true franchise quarterback to one employing the GOAT.
As ESPN's Courtney Cronin noted Thursday, Tom Brady revealed during the Week 4 broadcast of the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers that the Bears were "very stealth in their recruitment" of him ahead of the 2020 campaign.
He ultimately joined the Buccaneers, and the rest is history considering he won his seventh career Super Bowl and led the NFC South team to the playoffs in each of his final three seasons.
Bears chairman George McCaskey confirmed Brady's story Thursday.
"Well, that seems like ancient history at this point," McCaskey said. "I do remember we were interested in pursuing him. It didn't work out for us. Worked out great for him in Tampa.
"Any time you're in a situation like that you're not putting all of your eggs in one basket. You're looking at alternatives. It's the same in free agency, it's the same in the draft. If the person you're targeting isn't available, you want to make sure that you've done your due diligence on all other options. So that was one option that we were looking at."
Chicago did not land Brady and instead acquired Nick Foles from the Jacksonville Jaguars via a trade.
Foles and Mitchell Trubisky split time in 2020 before the Bears drafted Justin Fields in the first round in 2021. While Fields showed flashes of his talent, especially as a runner, he never fully lived up to expectations that were put in place when he was drafted.
That left Chicago on a familiar path of looking for a franchise quarterback, although it may have finally done so with Caleb Williams.
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft is 3-2 on the season and has shown steady improvement throughout his first five games. He just threw for 304 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions in Sunday's win over the Carolina Panthers.
While the future looks bright with Williams under center, it is surely easy for Bears fans to dream about what life would have been like with Brady given the franchise's overall history at the position.
Caleb Williams' Leadership Praised by Bears' DJ Moore: 'He's a Little Bossy'
Oct 10, 2024
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 29: DJ Moore #2 and Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears celebrate after their touchdown connection against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter at Soldier Field on September 29, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is a rookie, but that hasn't stopped him from quickly establishing himself as a leader, per wide receiver D.J. Moore.
According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, Moore joked that Williams is "bossy" before clarifying and explaining why it's a good thing:
"What I mean by bossy is if we don't hit something in practice, he's going to tell us how we need to run it. And we just look at him and be like, 'OK.'
"When we get out there for the game, just make sure you work, because he's gonna have some words for you if you don't. That's him being a leader. He's a little bossy. It's the little bro."
While Williams didn't disagree with Moore's assessment regarding his bossiness, he did suggest that he is continuing to evolve as a leader and learning the best way to lead each individual on the team:
"Certain people you can be a little bossy with, certain people you have to talk very monotone and in control of yourself, and other times there's people that you can just kind of lash out at. I don't really lash out much. That's not really my vibe.
"But just always coming over to talk to the guys when I can. Growing up a little bit. Understanding that even when I'm frustrated about maybe a drive or a play that we had that we may have messed up or whatever the case may have been, understanding that there's another drive coming, there's another part of the season that we have to focus on also. Being able to go over and talk to them and understand how and what they need to hear and then from there moving on."
The Bears took a major leap of faith by committing to taking Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, as they moved on from another former first-round pick at quarterback in Justin Fields.
Williams' collegiate track record at USC was undoubtedly hard to ignore, as he put up two huge statistical seasons and won the Heisman Trophy in 2023.
Although he went through some growing pains in his first two NFL games, throwing for a combined 267 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions, he has come into his own the past three weeks.
Over his past three games, Williams has thrown for 824 yards, five touchdowns and two picks, and the Bears have gone 2-1 to improve their overall record to 3-2.
Caleb Williams drops a dime to DJ Moore for their 2nd TD connection of the day!
He undoubtedly had the best game of his young career last week in a 36-10 drubbing of the Carolina Panthers, as Williams went 20-of-29 for 304 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, while also rushing for 34 yards.
In addition to leading vocally, Williams is now leading by example, and he is showing why the Bears were so willing to take him first overall.
Sunday will mark one of Williams' toughest challenges yet, as he will have to brave a difficult travel schedule for his first career game overseas.
Going up against the 1-4 Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bears are favored to win, and Williams has a chance to prove that Chicago is worthy of that respect and capable of delivering when the team is expected to come out on top.
Caleb Williams Celebrated by Bears Coaches After Improved Play in Win vs. Panthers
Oct 7, 2024
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 06: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Soldier Field on October 06, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears coaches were pleased with the strides they saw from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, which carried over to Sunday's 36-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.
"It's just about us being able to have him grow every week," head coach Matt Eberflus said to The MMQB's Albert Breer. "He's learned about the game up here every single week. It's the noise in Houston and taking that into Indianapolis and operating in the noise way better there. Being able to fit the ball into his skill [players], he did that also in Indy. Then, just worked every single week to get better. Then, just playing clean football.
"I think what he learned most was, I do have a good team around me. If I play clean football in that position, we can win some games. He said that last week, and I think he's spot on."
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron added that Williams has "done a really good job" of understanding the "complementary football" the Bears can play when their defense and special teams units are performing well.
The No. 1 overall pick was an efficient 20-of-29 for 304 yards and two touchdowns against Carolina. He also ran for 34 yards on 11 carries and was sacked just one time.
This is what fans have wanted to see from the franchise QB.
Caleb Williams drops a dime to DJ Moore for their 2nd TD connection of the day!
Of course, it's worth asking how much Williams' production was down to him and how much was owed to playing one of the NFL's worst teams. The Panthers are tied for the third-most yards allowed per pass attempt (8.1) and rank 29th in opponent passer rating (111.5).
Fortunately for the Bears, they face off with the Jacksonville Jaguars in their next game, and the Jags have been even worse against the pass. They're fresh off allowing Joe Flacco to go for 359 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
Williams' positive development should continue before Chicago heads into its Week 7 bye.
Caleb Williams Excites NFL Fans with Breakout Performance in Bears' Win vs. Panthers
Oct 6, 2024
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 06: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Soldier Field on October 06, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears landed what became the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft in a trade with the Carolina Panthers and used the selection on quarterback Caleb Williams.
It's only fitting, then, that the rookie's breakout showing came against the NFC South team.
Williams led the Bears to a commanding 36-10 victory over the Panthers on Sunday at Soldier Field and went 20-of-29 for 304 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions in the process. Chicago is now 3-2 on the season following its second consecutive victory and has now won eight consecutive home games dating back to last season.
Caleb just keeps getting better and better each game. And shoutout to Shane Waldron for getting them playing up tempo, clearly Caleb is feeling comfortable running the offense this way and it’s working
People want to box score scout when evaluation QB Caleb Williams but not many are accounting for what he’s being asked to do pre-snap at the LOS. Really advanced stuff for a rookie QB to be doing. #Bears
Caleb Williams has gotten better every week. Not the toughest test this week but you want to see a guy who is building something go out and wreck a bad defense.
Chicago entered play looking for its first winning streak of the Williams era with an opportunity to move above .500 and start building some early momentum ahead of what figures to be a tight playoff race.
This is the type of game playoff teams win, which put additional pressure on the rookie's shoulders. And he delivered right out of the gates with the best half of his young career even though the Panthers struck first with a 38-yard touchdown run from Chuba Hubbard.
Williams answered back with a deep-ball touchdown to DJ Moore and then found his go-to receiver for another score on a perfectly placed long ball shortly before intermission to give his team a 27-7 advantage. Sandwiched in between those scores were touchdown runs from Roschon Johnson and D'Andre Swift, as well as strong defense from the Bears.
Swift's touchdown came after he also darted through Carolina's defense on a screen pass after Jaquan Brisker got the ball back for the home team with a forced fumble.
But it was Williams who stood out the most with 200 passing yards in the first half alone. It wasn't just the stats either, as he was making quick decisions, checking into different plays at the line of scrimmage, escaping pressure and making plays with his legs, and even mixing in impressive bootleg throws.
The second half was largely a formality, although Williams had a touchdown run taken off the board because of a clipping penalty.
Chicago's defense also ensured there would be no nerves for the home fans down the stretch with an interception from Kevin Byard III and a forced fumble by Tremaine Edmunds that set up another Johnson touchdown.
The end result was a straightforward win for Williams and the Bears as they turn their attention toward a London trip to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.
NFL Trade Rumors: Keenan Allen Was 'Very Close' to Texans Move Before Bears Deal
Oct 2, 2024
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 17: Keenan Allen #13 of the Chicago Bears lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Solider Field on August 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
The Houston Texans reportedly tried to land Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers and were "very close" in doing so before the Bolts later dealt him to the Chicago Bears in March.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler mentioned that note amid an article covering the breakup between the Buffalo Bills and Stefon Diggs, who eventually found his way to Houston in April.
"The belief in league circles is the Texans were committed to getting an established veteran receiver this offseason. They first tried with Keenan Allen, who was traded from the Los Angeles Chargers to the Chicago Bears on March 14. A source close to Allen said the Texans got 'very close' to dealing for the receiver."
Allen was available because the Chargers wanted him to take a pay cut on a revised contract in order to save more money on their salary cap, but the two sides could not come to terms on a new deal. ESPN's Kris Rhim provided the lowdown on what occurred, noting that the deal "blindsided" Allen.
"In the days following the NFL combine, the Chargers asked Allen to take a pay cut similar to that of [Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa], though Allen's included a two-year extension with an average salary of less than his base $18 million, according to sources close to the negotiation.
"Two days later, Allen's team proposed a multiyear counteroffer that would have made Allen among the league's highest-paid receivers, but it was summarily rejected, according to multiple sources close to the negotiations."
And so Allen's 11-year tenure with the Chargers ended. He left Los Angeles after arguably putting up his best season yet, amassing 108 catches, 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in just 13 games.
Understandably, there was some interest in the vet before he was dealt to Chicago, who got him for a 2024 fourth-round pick.
Fresh off a fantastic season that resulted in an AFC South title and a playoff win, the Texans went into the offseason looking to improve upon those benchmarks.
On defense, Houston came to terms with Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter, who was coming off a 16.5-sack season.
They clearly wanted a veteran wideout to side with young breakouts Nico Collins and Tank Dell and found one in Diggs, who has fared well so far (25 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns).
As for Allen, it's been a slow start for him (seven catches, 48 yards), although that could be said for the entire Bears offense, which averages just 3.9 yards per play (the second-lowest mark in the NFL). Allen also missed two games with a heel injury but returned Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
Tom Brady: I Was 'Seriously Considering' Bears Contract in NFL FA After Patriots Exit
Sep 29, 2024
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: Former NFL player Tom Brady is seen on the field prior to a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Legendary quarterback and Fox analyst Tom Brady had the pleasure of broadcasting Sunday's game between his former Tampa Bay Buccaneers team and the Philadelphia Eagles, and he revealed that there was a chance he never ended up in Tampa Bay in the first place.
Brady said during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game that at one point after leaving the New England Patriots in 2020, he was "seriously considering" signing with the Chicago Bears in free agency before ultimately deciding to join the Bucs:
"Chicago was a team, and I've never told that story before, they were very stealth in their recruitment." @TomBrady shares the notecards he had when he was making his decision in free agency 👀⬇️ pic.twitter.com/NmPpGMFKU2
During the 2020 season, the Bears had quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles rotating under center, so Brady undoubtedly would've been a major upgrade at the position. Chicago still managed to make the playoffs with an 8-8 record and had a 1,000-yard running back in David Montgomery as well as a 1,000-yard receiver in Allen Robinson. However, it's clear that Brady made the right choice to join Tampa Bay.
In his first year with the Bucs, Brady earned his seventh career Super Bowl ring after defeating Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. He led the NFL in passing yards in 2021 with a career-high 5,316 at 44 years old. He led the Bucs to back-to-back NFC South titles before his retirement at the end of the 2022 season.
Brady explained that he took his time before determining that joining Tampa Bay gave him exactly what he was looking for, including the opportunity to be close to his son.
"There were a lot of reasons to choose Tampa," Brady said. "I made about 18 criteria why, and there were things all the way from salary obviously to the weather to the facilities to how great the players were."
After not getting Brady, the Bears finally have stability at the quarterback position after drafting Caleb Williams with the 2024 No. 1 pick. The rookie signal-caller threw for 157 yards and a touchdown while committing no turnovers in Sunday's 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams to help Chicago improve to 2-2.
NFL Fans Praise Justin Fields as Steelers Lose to Flacco, Colts; Richardson Injured
Sep 29, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: Justin Fields (2) of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Justin Fields, kept their fans on edge but suffered their first loss of the season against the Indianapolis Colts, 27-24, dropping them to 3-1 on the year.
After failing to find the end zone in the first half, the Steelers were down 17-3 going into halftime.
Perhaps it was the moment Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson went down with just under four minutes left in the second quarter that shifted the tide in favor of the Steelers. Alternatively, it could have been Fields stepping up that played a pivotal role in turning the game around.
Coming out of halftime, the Steelers held the Colts scoreless in the third quarter, while Fields added some spark to the squad with a five-yard touchdown run.
The Steelers continued to look to Fields as he ran in another touchdown around the 11-minute mark in the fourth quarter.
Although Fields' second half for the Steelers looked promising, they couldn't seal the win after a rough final drive under the two-minute mark in the fourth quarter.
Even though they did not receive the outcome they hoped for, Steeler Nation took to social media to praise their young quarterback in his first season in Black and Gold.
HELL YEA. Fields to Pat. #Steelers still in it. Great job by Fields. 27-24.
Fields finished the day completing 22 of 34 passes for 312 yards and one touchdown while adding 55 yards and two TDs on the ground.
The Steelers look to bounce back next week as they face the Cowboys on Oct. 6.
Caleb Williams, Bears Celebrated By NFL Fans in Win vs. Matthew Stafford, Rams
Sep 29, 2024
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Caleb Williams (18) of the Chicago Bears throws while running during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams on September 29, 2024 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears are back to .500.
Chicago snapped its two-game losing streak with a 24-18 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Soldier Field and improved to 2-2 in the process. While Caleb Williams didn't put up monster numbers at 17-of-23 passing for 157 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions, he made a number of big plays in the second half to earn the home win.
He was also helped by running back D'Andre Swift, who bounced back from his early season struggles with 93 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Honestly, watching Caleb today I LOVED watching him do those quick reads and taking the dump off for positive yards when the middle of the field wasn't there.
Those are the plays that make guys like Swift valuable.
Chicago's offense was under the spotlight going into Sunday's game, as it entered play an abysmal 30th in the league in yards per game despite high expectations surrounding Williams as the No. 1 overall pick and a group of pass-catchers that includes DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet.
Things looked about the same out of the gates with punts on the Bears' first three possessions. They did take advantage of a short field following a turnover with a Roschon Johnson touchdown and added a field goal to take a 10-6 lead into intermission, but there was still a feeling of what could have been.
Williams missed two potential touchdown throws late in the half, including one to a wide-open Moore. The crowd booed the offense multiple times throughout the early stages of the game as the frustration from the start of the season carried over.
Those boos disappeared in the second half.
The rookie signal-caller directed one of Chicago's best drives of the season after halftime and marched 74 yards down the field in 12 plays. He mixed in some short, high-percentage throws before he found Moore for the go-to receiver's first touchdown of the season.
While the Rams responded with a touchdown and put the pressure back on Williams, he delivered with another touchdown drive. His long pass to Kmet moved the Bears into scoring position, and Swift then broke free for a rushing touchdown.
That was all the Chicago defense needed, as Brisker's pick clinched the win and gave the NFC North team some momentum heading into next week's home game against the Carolina Panthers.
