CJ Stroud and Caleb Williams (Photo via @NFL Twitter)
Cameras caught Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams awkwardly ignoring a heartwarming message from Houston Texans superstar CJ Stroud following their Week 2 showdown on “Sunday Night Football.”
In the first clash between the two young quarterbacks, CJ Stroud narrowly led Houston to a close 19-13 victory that moved his Texans to 2-0. The second-year signal-caller threw for 260 yards and a touchdown, while Williams was only 23-of-37 for 174 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.
After the game, cameras and microphones caught Stroud and Williams having a brief post-game conversation. Stroud offered some kind words of encouragement, telling the rookie QB to, “Learn from those mistakes” and that he will flourish in the NFL.
But as you can see from Williams’ facial expression and body language, he didn’t seem all that keen to listen to CJ Stroud’s advice whatsoever:
.@CJ7STROUD had some words of encouragement for @CALEBcsw.
“You’re gonna be a hell of a player in this league.” 🤝 pic.twitter.com/EkGCMOl0ew
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2024
The No. 2 pick of 2023 had one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history a year ago, completing 63.9 percent of pass attempts for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He led Houston to a surprise AFC South division crown and a Wild Card Round victory over the Cleveland Browns.
So if there’s a quarterback Caleb Williams can learn and take advice from, it’s the guy who joined a team with zero expectations and immediately turned them into a Super Bowl contender.
Stroud’s Texans will take on the 2-0 Minnesota Vikings on the road this Sunday, while the Bears will try to improve to 2-1 when they visit the 0-2 Indianapolis Colts.
Caleb Williams Has To Improve After Sluggish Start
Through his first two NFL games, Williams has completed 56.1 percent of pass attempts for only 267 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions. If the Bears (1-1) are to make the jump to playoff contention like Stroud’s Texans did a year ago, the 2024 first overall pick is going to have to progress sooner rather than later.
