Sep 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson talks with quarterback Caleb Williams (18) against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears' offense put up a lackluster effort against the Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

And that's probably putting it too lightly.

Against a Baltimore defense that had largely been victimized by every opponent so far in 2025, the Bears never established a consistent or coherent rhythm. Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams was particularly awful, as the signal-caller's erratic and now-alarming accuracy issues were glaring against a desperate Ravens team fighting for its season.

Williams' struggles came to a head with the Bears backed up against their own goal line, facing just a 16-13 deficit in the fourth quarter. On a second-and-long play, Williams fired (forced?) an errant pass to Rome Odunze that Baltimore cornerback Nate Wiggins picked off to set the Ravens up deep in the red zone. On an already erratic day for Williams, this interception essentially ended the Bears' chances at a clutch comeback when Baltimore eventually scored a game-icing touchdown:

After the game, both Williams and Bears head coach Ben Johnson were asked about what happened during the interception sequence. According to Marquee Sports Network's Nicholas Moreano, both offered different explanations for the play, which is notable given that Chicago's passing offense has not had as much traction this year as some believed it would.

To Johnson, without looking at the film, he claimed Williams might have had another easier read he could've gotten to. It's the more tactful answer that criticizes the quarterback's decision without saying anything definitive. Williams, meanwhile, did not take that approach. He made a definitive statement about the coverage he and Odunze were facing, and he noted that he simply didn't throw a good-enough pass.

Hmm. I don't know who is correct in this situation, but it's noteworthy that the Bears' prized head coach and hopeful young franchise quarterback publicly disagree about a high-profile play that cemented a loss.

Is this a sign of brewing discord and frustration in Chicago? Or is it just Johnson and Williams having different approaches to their public communication style? I guess we'll see soon enough how the Bears respond to throwing away a winnable game. The action on the field almost always tells the real story.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson had disconnect on crucial Bears interception

Reporting by Robert Zeglinski, For The Win / For The Win

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