In the world of the NFL, there are teams that show up week after week with the ability to win even when they’re not playing their best. These are the teams that have a winning formula, a strong system, and a culture that allows them to rise to the occasion when it matters most. As we look at the current state of the league, two teams that stand out in this regard are the Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs. Both of these squads proved yet again that they are “special” in their ability to close out games, regardless of adversity. But in contrast, we also have a team like the Chicago Bears, who continue to struggle in their development, particularly in the case of their highly touted rookie, Caleb Williams. Can the Bears figure it out before it’s too late? Let’s break it down.
Detroit Lions: The Resilience of a ‘Special’ Team
When we look at the Detroit Lions this season, it’s clear that they’ve made a significant leap forward. Despite a rough performance against Houston, a game where Jared Goff threw five interceptions and their offensive line got dominated, the Lions found a way to win. This is not the same Detroit team we’ve seen in the past. Two years ago, a loss like this might have derailed their season, but now, they’ve learned how to fight through adversity.
Detroit’s formula is built around a strong offensive line, a solid running game, and a defense that’s coming together. Yes, they had their struggles in Houston, but when the game was on the line, they executed. Goff calmed down in the second half, and the Lions rallied to score a touchdown and two field goals in their final three possessions to pull off the win.
What makes this team special is their ability to overcome a rough start. They’re not a perfect team, but they’ve shown time and again that they know how to win in tough environments, like on the road, or when they’re not playing their best football. They can grind out a victory even when things aren’t going their way.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Big-Moment Kings
The Kansas City Chiefs are another team that proves the importance of being able to win even when you’re not playing your best football. On a short week, coming off a hard-fought overtime victory, they played at home against a tough opponent, but it wasn’t easy. Kansas City trailed heading into the fourth quarter and failed to capitalize on several red zone opportunities, including scoring only one touchdown on four red zone trips.
But what sets the Chiefs apart is their ability to step up in critical moments. They might not always play flawless football, but when the game is on the line, they can pull out a win. Take their game against Denver, for example. Despite not being able to establish a rhythm on offense, the Chiefs had a clutch moment when they blocked a field goal attempt late in the game. This is the kind of play that defines “special” teams—teams that can make big plays when it counts, even when they’re not firing on all cylinders.
Chicago Bears: The Struggle to Develop Caleb Williams
On the flip side, we have the Chicago Bears, who are currently mired in a deep struggle. This team, despite all their potential, is floundering, and the situation has gotten worse, not better. With Caleb Williams being the most hyped quarterback prospect in recent years, all eyes are on Chicago to see if they can develop him into the franchise quarterback that they so desperately need.
The problem for the Bears isn’t just that they’re losing games—it’s that they can’t seem to develop their players, particularly their quarterbacks. Caleb Williams, despite his immense talent, is facing the same challenges that many rookie quarterbacks face: inconsistency, a lack of protection, and no clear offensive identity. What’s worse, the Bears are failing to scheme plays that would help him develop and succeed. In their most recent games, Williams has been under pressure constantly, and it’s clear that he’s struggling. Despite his mobility, he’s been sacked more than any other quarterback in the league, which points to bigger issues with the offensive line and coaching.
We’ve seen rookie quarterbacks around the league grow and improve, even in difficult circumstances. Bryce Young in Carolina has shown growth over the last couple of weeks, as has Bo Nix with the Denver Broncos. But Caleb Williams isn’t getting that same kind of support in Chicago. There’s no clear plan for him, no strategy to help him gain confidence, and no play-calling that sets him up for success.
The lack of development around him is deeply concerning. At this point, it’s not just about Caleb Williams’ ability to be a great player—it’s about whether Chicago can put the right pieces in place to support his development. The Bears have failed to do that time and again, whether it’s through poor offensive line play, a lack of offensive creativity, or coaching that simply hasn’t been able to get the most out of their young quarterback.
The Gap in Competency: Coaching, Ownership, and Management
One of the most striking differences between teams like Detroit and Kansas City and teams like Chicago is competency. The Lions and Chiefs have the right leadership and a proven system that allows them to thrive even in difficult situations. Their coaching staff knows how to get the most out of their players, and their front offices have consistently made the right moves to build competitive teams year after year.
In contrast, the Bears’ struggles are deeply rooted in a lack of leadership. From poor coaching hires in the past (remember, they passed on Jim Harbaugh and other strong candidates), to questionable decisions in the draft and free agency, Chicago has failed to create a winning culture. It’s not just about the players—they can have all the talent in the world, but without competent coaching and management, it’s all for nothing.
The Path Forward for the Bears
So, the big question for the Bears moving forward is this: Can they figure it out with Caleb Williams? Is there hope that they can develop him into the player they need him to be? The answer isn’t just in his hands; it’s in the hands of the Bears’ coaching staff, ownership, and front office. If they don’t figure out how to create an environment where Caleb Williams can thrive, they risk wasting his talent, just like they’ve wasted the potential of so many other players in the past.
In the NFL, it’s not just about having talent—it’s about creating the right circumstances for that talent to flourish. Teams like the Lions and Chiefs have shown that with the right coaching, system, and culture, even a rough performance can turn into a win. But if the Bears continue on their current path, it may be another wasted year, another lost opportunity to develop a generational talent like Caleb Williams.
