Bears, rookie QB Caleb Williams face gold standard in Texans’ C.J. Stroud

Early during his Wednesday presser, Bears coach Matt Eberflus was asked how the historic production Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud enjoyed as a rookie last season could be used as a template for Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, whose debut last Sunday against the Tennessee Titans could reasonably be described as inauspicious.Eberflus adroitly sidestepped making a comparison that would only add to the already enormous expectations resting on Williams’ shoulders. While Stroud crafted one of the greatest seasons for a rookie quarterback in NFL history, Williams struggled in his first career start and relied on the Bears’ exceptional defense and special teams to steer the way to a 24-17 home win over the Tennessee Titans.The Texans (1-0) will host the Bears (1-0) in a showdown on Sunday highlighting the standard Williams is charged with meeting. Stroud thrived in a 29-27 road victory over the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, passing for 234 yards and two touchdowns with a 115.9 rating.Williams, conversely, averaged 3.2 yards per attempt, threw for only 93 yards, posted a 55.7 rating and helmed an offense that didn’t score a touchdown. His handling of a middling performance struck Eberflus.”He’s been really good,” Eberflus said. “Him and I watched the plays Monday morning. He comes into my office and was really good there. He’s really good with the players owning up to everything and taking responsibility for performance and accountability. That’s what you need from leaders on the football team, not just him.”And then moving forward to coming in (Wednesday) morning and figuring out what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and having conversations with him. I think he’s in a good spot.”The Bears were buoyed by a pair of touchdown returns, including a 43-yard interception return by cornerback Tyrique Stevenson with 7:35 left in regulation that sealed the win. Chicago sacked Titans quarterback Will Levis three times, picked him off twice and limited Levis to 4.0 yards per attempt.The Bears might need another stifling performance against the Texans, not only to cover Williams as he develops but to help a Chicago offense that had a pair of receivers — Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (MCL strain) — sidelined for practice on Wednesday.Wins can mask warts. But Williams acknowledged that ample work remains for the offense.