How Clutch was Caleb Williams’ 2025?

Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates with wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) after a Bears touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears' 2025 season will always be remembered for the team's ability to come back and snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat, and at the center of most of those Cardiac Bears' comebacks was the Iceman, Caleb Williams. Six regular-season game-winning drives and a seventh in the Wild Card round of the playoffs cemented him in Bears lore.

His clutch gene was also on display as a rookie, albeit to a lesser degree, but the team (and more importantly, the coaching staff) around him wasn't up to par in 2024.

Caleb's play in 2026 leveled up with head coach Ben Johnson calling the shots, which bodes well for their second season together.

Tony Holzman-Escareno, a Senior Researcher for the NFL, recently shared some stats on his social media account that showed some of Williams' clutchiness from last season.

Did you know that Caleb had the most total first downs or touchdowns when tied or trailing by one possession in the fourth quarter or overtime last season?

1. Caleb Williams - 31
2. Dak Prescott - 29
3. Josh Allen - 28
4. Matthew Stafford - 27
5. Bo Nix - 25
6. Jordan Love - 24
7. Baker Mayfield - 24
8. Trevor Lawrence - 22
9. Patrick Mahomes - 21
10. Sam Darnold - 21
11. Tyler Shough - 21

Williams was also in the top ten in most third or fourth-down conversions in the fourth quarter or OT in 2025.

1. Justin Herbert - 30
2. Cam Ward - 30
3. Josh Allen - 29
4. Dak Prescott - 28
5. Bo Nix - 26
6. Jalen Hurts - 24
7. Caleb Williams - 23
8. Jordan Love - 23
9. Jared Goff - 21

He also finished in the top ten for total first downs or touchdowns on third-and-long (7+ yards to go) last season.

1. Jordan Love - 30
2. Drake Maye - 30
3. Bo Nix - 29
4. Baker Mayfield - 29
5. Jared Goff - 27
6. Trevor Lawrence - 27
7. Jalen Hurts - 26
8. Justin Herbert - 26
9. Caleb Williams - 24
10. Josh Allen - 23

In the fourth quarter of one-possession games last season, Williams had the third most first downs or touchdowns.

1. Josh Allen - 42
2. Matthew Stafford - 37
3. Caleb Williams - 36
4. Bo Nix - 34
5. Baker Mayfield - 34
6. Jordan Love - 32
7. Dak Prescott - 32
8. Justin Herbert - 32
9. Jalen Hurts - 30
10. Drake Maye - 28
11. Sam Darnold - 26
12. Tyler Shough - 26
13. Patrick Mahomes - 25
14. Trevor Lawrence - 25

Was there some luck associated with the Bears' 2026 season?

Sure.

The odds on them replicating all those comebacks again must be astronomical, but if Caleb and Ben and the offense can show growth in year two, they may not need to battle back so often.

But if they do find themselves trailing in a few games in 2026, I won't bet against them, because you know they'll be ready for it.

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."