North London was bathed in orange (with a hint of blue) as the Chicago Bears reignited their bond with British fans, delivering a resounding victory over the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars. In a clash of two No. 1 overall draft picks, the Bears' rookie quarterback Caleb Williams outshone Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars' 2021 first pick. Williams threw four touchdown passes and rushed for 58 yards, a pivotal contribution in the game. His performance was not only decisive but also entertaining, showcasing the 22-year-old's adaptability and the precision of his arm, impressing the 60,000-strong crowd.
Lawrence managed two touchdown passes and 234 passing yards, but many of his 23 completed passes lacked ambition. The Tennessee native, with his shoulder-length hair, looked like a franchise player, but for a franchise that is struggling and losing confidence. The defeat leaves the Jaguars at 1-5, firmly at the bottom of the AFC South. Despite this, the Jaguars remain committed to playing in London annually, though talk of a London franchise has waned.
Meanwhile, the Bears were playing their first UK fixture in five years. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium felt almost like Soldier Field, given the overwhelming support for the Bears. The program featured a lengthy piece on William “the Refrigerator” Perry and his time with the London Monarchs, adding a sentimental touch. The support was widespread, vibrant, and loud. In contrast, Jaguars fans were virtually non-existent.
The Jaguars arrived late in London due to travel delays caused by Hurricane Milton. In contrast, the Bears had spent a week in Hertfordshire. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus noted that the week in the UK allowed the team to effectively hold a mid-season training camp, which showed in their performance. Key moments came before halftime when Williams' sloppy interception threatened to change the game's direction. However, the Bears' defense quickly regained possession, driving the ball back down the field for a game-breaking third touchdown.
Williams sealed the play with a 25-yard rocket pass to Keenan Allen, whom he calls his “older brother”. It was Allen's first touchdown for the Bears, celebrated with a tea party in the end zone. Eberflus praised Williams' performance and engagement with his teammates, highlighting his ability to learn and improve. Williams understands that this year is crucial for his development, learning the nuances of the game and the diverse skill sets of his teammates.
