The Chicago Bears are now 6-3, and this week the national media can’t stop talking about Caleb Williams after his clutch performance in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants. A new video released by NFL Films captured the dramatic final minutes of the game, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at Williams calm demeanor on the sideline. One moment stood out above all: veteran backup quarterback Case Keenum turning to Williams before the game-winning drive and saying, “They’re gonna get you the ball back. You’re going to win us this game.” That line alone sums up why Keenum was such a smart signing — his leadership and belief clearly fuel this young offense. The full video can be seen below.
Caleb Williams Shines in Bears’ Offense Under Ben Johnson
Adding to the moment, the Bears have already given Williams a new nickname: “Iceman.” During Chicago’s first snow game of the season, teammates and coaches were caught calling him that on the sideline and during the game. The nickname quickly spread across social media, especially after wide receiver Luther Burden dropped a comment on Williams’ Instagram post using it too.
It fits perfectly — a cool, composed quarterback who thrives when the pressure is highest, playing in the heart of Chicago’s freezing winter. “Iceman” might just be one of the best nicknames for a Bears quarterback in a long time. The fourth quarter numbers for Caleb Williams this season speak for themselves:
Caleb “Iceman” Williams.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Former Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander #23 was with the Baltimore Ravens before being traded to the Eagles.
It won’t quite be akin to going up against Packers legend Aaron Rodgers in Week 8, but for players on the current Green Bay roster, there’s more likely to be a connection with ex-Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander than there was to Rodgers, Jordan Love‘s predecessor and current Steelers QB. So there might be more meaning and more back-slapping for the current group when the packers roll into Philadelphia to play the Eagles on Monday night.
That’s because, up until this spring, Alexander had been a career Packer, a seven-year starter who earned two Pro Bowl selections and whose quirky antics made him (mostly) a fan favorite. But Alexander was sitting on a major upcoming payment from the Packers, and had a balky knee that had contributed to him being healthy for only 14 games in 2023 and 2024 combined.
The Packers made the tough decision to waive Alexander in June, and took some criticism for making the move without a solid backup plan in place. However, Alexander’s performance has justified the Packers’ actions, as he played sparingly in Baltimore after he was signed by the Ravens, and was since dumped to the Eagles in a trade last week.
That means, though, that should Alexander make his debut for the Eagles this week–that’s no sure thing–it will come against the Packers.
Alexander was asked about facing the Packers in his first Philly game. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is amazing, dream come true,’” he said. “It’s going to be nostalgic. You know, it’s going to be fun seeing the guys that I grew up with.
“The challenge is obvious. They’re a good offense. They’re really good on third down. Those guys are a talented group.”
It’s been slow going this season for Alexander, who has played just two games, for a total of 61 snaps, after opening the season with the Ravens. Again, that helped to justify the decision to cut him by the Packers, which saved $17 million in cap space–flexibility that was used to facilitate the trade for Micah Parsons.
Alexander talked about why he did not play in Baltimore.
“I think they just had some guys they wanted to play, some younger guys,” Alexander said. “But I am excited about this opportunity here.
As for the Packers, there will be plenty of players eager to see Alexander on the opposite sideline.
One of those is fellow defensive back Keisean Nixon.
“I talk to him all the time. I’ve never lost communication with him. That’s my brother,” Nixson said. “It’s the same for me. Different for everybody else, but it’s the same for me. I’m excited.
Nixon asked if there was any trash talk with Alexander, and though there hasn’t been much of that, Nixon said he’d get on Alexander for his new uniform number.
“No, I just check on his mental,” Nixon said. “We got a really good relationship, even when he was here and he left. I’m excited to see him. I think he’s wearing ‘18’ or something. I’m gonna give him s— about that. Other than that, he’ll be all right.”