Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has received a vote of confidence ahead of the next NFL playoff race. ESPN analyst Evan Cohen said he would trust Williams over the other quarterbacks in the NFC North when asked which division player he would want leading a team in a postseason game.
Cohen made his choice during an appearance on ESPN’s *First Take*. Host Shae Cornette asked him to compare the division’s quarterbacks, including Detroit’s Jared Goff and Green Bay’s Jordan Love. Cohen acknowledged the experience and current performance of the competition but still selected Williams.
“I’m going to answer it. The answer is Caleb Williams,” Cohen said. “Even though Jared Goff is the one who’s been there and done that.”
Cohen also had praise for Love, saying the Packers quarterback was “probably playing better than anyone else right now.” He described Kirk Cousins as “a quarterback that is unbelievably experienced.”
The decision stands out because Goff and Love have produced more consistent passing numbers this season. Goff has completed 67.8% of his passes for 2,134 yards, 15 touchdowns and two interceptions. Love leads the division with 2,618 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.
Williams has completed 68.7% of his passes for 1,546 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also contributed 145 rushing yards and two scores across six games. His statistical record includes some difficult moments, but Cohen believes Williams has qualities that could matter in a high-pressure postseason setting.
## Why Cohen believes in Williams
Cohen said his confidence in Williams comes in part from what he sees as the quarterback’s special ability to rise to the occasion. He also pointed to Williams’ relationship with his coach and the support he receives from the team.
“I just think Caleb Williams has got that effect,” Cohen explained. “And I believe in his coach and his connection with his coach. I also believe that there’s a guy with big orange sleeves on defense and Jeffrey Simmons that is going to make Caleb Williams’ life easier by being so great on defense.”
Williams’ turnover history provides important context for Cohen’s endorsement. During Chicago’s recent playoff run, Williams threw two interceptions against Green Bay before leading the Bears to a dramatic comeback victory. He finished the 31-27 Wild Card win with 24 completions on 48 attempts, 361 passing yards and two touchdown passes.
Chicago also reached overtime against the Rams. Williams threw a late touchdown to Cole Kmet to help force the extra period, but three interceptions contributed to the Bears’ 20-17 loss.
More recently, Williams threw four interceptions in Chicago’s 27-24 win over Tampa Bay. The Bears committed five turnovers as a team, yet still came away with the victory. Cohen said the result did not diminish his faith in Williams. Instead, he viewed the team’s ability to win despite the mistakes as evidence of its resilience.
“I will trust Caleb Williams in a big spot. And yes, we’re coming off of a four-turnover game for him, five for the team, but that actually makes me more impressed. They still won,” Cohen said.
That win offers a reminder that Chicago can succeed even when its quarterback does not play a clean game. At the same time, Williams’ decision-making remains an area to improve. His interceptions against Tampa Bay and in the loss to Los Angeles show how costly turnovers can be, particularly when the stakes are high.
The Bears will need to limit those mistakes if they hope to keep pace with their division rivals. Detroit and Green Bay remain formidable competition, with Goff’s postseason experience and Love’s current production giving both teams strong quarterback options.
Still, Cohen’s selection reflects more than a comparison of season statistics. He believes Williams’ connection with his coach, his ability to respond to adversity and Chicago’s overall structure could make a difference in a playoff game. For Cohen, those qualities are enough to put Williams ahead of the NFC North’s other quarterbacks when choosing whom to trust in a crucial moment.
