Here’s how Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams is staying focused amid 8-game losing streak

LAKE FOREST – Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is tired of losing. In the midst of an eight-game losing streak, the Bears have been through a lot.

Even so, the No. 1 overall pick has tried not to let the dysfunction at Halas Hall affect him when he goes home at night.

That’s easier said than done, however.

“It does affect me,” Williams said Wednesday. “Losing is one of those things that really affects me. It’s tough. But I do have the understanding of where I’m at in my career and where I’ll be at. Having that [understanding] is important for me, myself internally.”

The Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, then fired head coach Matt Eberflus. Still, the team keeps losing.

Losing is one of those things that really affects me. It’s tough. But I do have the understanding of where I’m at in my career and where I’ll be at."

—  Caleb Williams, Bears quarterback

After Monday night’s loss to the Vikings, 30-12, Williams called this season “frustrating and encouraging.” He said he’s encouraged by the Bears' fight. The frustrations come from, well, all the losing.

In two games under interim head coach Thomas Brown, the team has come out uninspired. The Bears didn’t score a single point in the first half of either game. They were outscored 68-25 in those two games.

In the midst of all that, the Bears were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention over the weekend. There is quite literally nothing left to play for.

How does Williams stay motivated for these last three games?

“This is going to sound crazy, but you talk to yourself, to be honest,” Williams said. “You motivate yourself, you encourage yourself. You have positive affirmations.”

The quarterback deserves props for looking himself in the mirror and getting himself ready to go to battle, even when the walls are seemingly collapsing all around him.

This losing streak hasn’t been because the quarterback is turning the ball over. Williams hasn’t thrown an interception since Oct. 13 (although he has lost a fumble in each of the past two games).

Top receiver DJ Moore commended Williams for his efforts late in the season. Asked what he learned about Williams this season, Moore mentioned Williams' mental toughness.

“He could have checked out, but he didn’t,” Moore said. “He’s still persevering through a lot of things, and he’s been him.”

Williams has been one of the few bright spots down the stretch. His play hasn’t been perfect, by any means. He has left some throws out there on the field. But the rookie has gained invaluable experience on the football field and on the practice field.

“There’s also a lot of progress throughout the season that has happened, through training camp and all that,” Williams said. “Having all that in mind, there’s a lot to be optimistic and positive about. Because I’m not my best self yet, and that’s soon to come. I’m working toward that every day.”

The Bears have three more games and they’re all against good football teams. It starts Sunday against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Then they face a Seattle team currently on the playoff bubble before finishing out the season in Green Bay in Week 18.

After the last two games, it feels highly unlikely that Brown is going to be the team’s long-term answer at head coach. Nobody envies the task he has trying to motivate this team ahead of the final three games.

How does Brown keep his players from getting frustrated?

“I would say first off by setting energy when I walk in the room,” Brown said. “It’s the most important thing as far as what our focus should be and being consistent with my approach and how I feel.”