Caleb Williams responds to Troy Aikman's in-game criticisms

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 3 hours ago

CHICAGO - Chicago’s Monday night victory against the Washington Commanders was the second game in a row that came down to a field goal, and the Bears came out on the winning side. However, not everyone was impressed with the victory.

Throughout the entire game, ESPN color analyst Troy Aikman made numerous comments criticizing quarterback Caleb Williams and Chicago’s offense. Aikman was heavily criticized for his commentary, and deservedly so, as it was incredibly biased and did not even make sense at times.

One such occasion was on running back D’Andre Swift’s 55-yard receiving touchdown and Aikman referred to it as “luck.”

Williams took to social media to poke fun at that comment after the game, although he also emphasized that the players are not worried about outside perspectives and care more about what is happening in the building.

“Fun trolls. I was messing around. D’Andre made a great play and obviously, (Aikman) had some stuff to say about us or me and we came out victorious in the end. So, made a little fun moment of it, and that was about it,” Williams said. “Fair, not, life isn’t fair. People are going to say what they have to say. We win, we lose. People have stuff to say. It was lucky, it was not lucky. People have stuff to say. Have a bad game, have a good game. People have stuff to say. So, it doesn’t matter. We’re only worried about what’s going on here within this building and with these guys. So, that’s all I can say about that.”

Swift had one of the best games of his career, and indeed his best game since joining the Chicago Bears, against the Commanders. He had 108 rushing yards and 67 receiving yards. It was just the second time since Swift joined Chicago that he ran for over 100 yards. Ironically, the other instance came when the Bears played Washington last season.

The run game finally showed some signs of life against the Commanders after having struggled mightily through the first four games. Rookie running back Kyle Monangai continues to be integrated into the offense more, as he recorded 44 scrimmage yards against Washington.

Seeing Chicago’s run offense finally start to find its groove is incredibly promising, as the offense needs to be successful throughout the rest of this season.

“The rush attack, it’s extremely important to winning games. Obviously, there’s certain games that statistic is a little off and you win games by passing,” Williams said. “But, being able to have a balanced attack keeps the defense on their toes. Being able to have a balanced attack helps you march the ball down the field, getting open looks, play actions, keepers, screens, all of that starts to open up when you can have a positive and effective run game and I think the guys did a good job of that because that defense over there is a hell of a defense coached by a hell of a coach.”

With the win against Washington, Chicago has now secured three consecutive victories and boasts an overall record of 3-2. However, Williams and the rest of the players are not letting the success get to their heads as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints this coming Sunday (Noon / FOX).

They know how a good record can change in a hurry and are therefore preparing for each game in the same manner, no matter who the opponent is.

“We were 4-2 last year at a certain point and obviously, the season turned around. So, being able to understand that now that I’ve been through a full season, been through those moments,” Williams said. “I think being able to move on past wins and losses and understand that it’s a long season, being able to move on from emotional game, being able to move on from myself playing in my hometown, and game going down to the wire, all of that is important. It’s important for me. It’s important for us as a team to be able to focus on the next one.”