
James 'Big Cat' Williams on Chicago Bears' Season, Challenges
Clip: 11/12/2026 | 7m 22sVideo has Closed Captions
It's halfway through the NFL season, and the Bears are off to their best start in nearly 15 years.
It's halfway through the NFL season, and the Bears are off to their best start in nearly 15 years. With a 7-2 record, they're at the top of the division.
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James 'Big Cat' Williams on Chicago Bears' Season, Challenges
Clip: 11/12/2026 | 7m 22sVideo has Closed Captions
It's halfway through the NFL season, and the Bears are off to their best start in nearly 15 years. With a 7-2 record, they're at the top of the division.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship>> It is half way through the NFL season and the Chicago Bears are off to their best start in nearly 15 years.
With a 72 record there at the top of the division.
And among the best records in the entire league, they can rest up this weekend as the team has a bye.
But after that, they'll be looking to finish the season like they started and they'll have to get it done in perhaps the league's best division.
Joining us with his thoughts is James Big Cat Williams, former offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears.
Welcome back.
Big Cat.
Good to see you.
Thank you for having Ok?
So little halfway through the season, bears are looking best they have in a long time.
Like we said, you are part of winning locker rooms and losing locker rooms.
What is it like for team to be experiencing this kind of success and how does it build on itself?
>> Well, it's it's a good thing because I mean, this is where you dreamed of being you know, over 500 in a good position.
Higher Premier Division high up in the NFC period.
And now we just have to focus on staying growled.
Don't get too high offer being 7, 2 board to bye week.
Bye Week is a great opportunity for them to Self Scout, similar like to what they did last Use all the running game improve last year after the bye week.
You're looking for those same tired Advancers during this bye week.
What do you need to get better at?
What do we need to focus on?
You know, whether be during this week of practice or or even in the film room to help turn things around or get something straight and out but needed to be.
>> Nfc North North, it's off to a crazy start right now.
All 4 teams having at least 6 coach Ben Johnson struggled against the division so far in his tenure.
But what does he have to to to to fix that for the rest of the season?
So you've got to win these division games.
I mean, >> it's a tough 2 You look at the the matter.
so great record, solid defense or trying to figure some things out on offense.
And you've got to imagine they're starting to Minnesota's car in a different boat because played where really well in the beginning of the season.
As far as the defense and the winds they were able to really kind of falling back to the pack.
Now, I think it's just trying to get SoCal the offense.
But if they can figure it out, going to be a tough run down the road.
And, you know, we always have to do with what the Packers you look at.
Jordan Love right now.
The throwing the ball all over the They're having trouble running the ball, but they're making up for with the way thrown the ball.
So there are a lot of different things the Bears are going to have to be prepared for once they get back into their stuff is important.
>> So Caleb Williams threw 4 interceptions in just one game last week.
Was that a fluke or something to worry about?
like to say it was a fluke, but you have to worry about >> you know, anytime you have a has 5 turnovers in the game.
You worry about those things.
The advantages they were able to win that game.
So it's a game, but you can look at you can make corrections.
But you still have that women in your pocket because usually come out on top with games like that.
So I think it was a fluke.
I think is something he will be caught or so.
But I don't think it'll happen, I don't think it'll stop him from throwing the ball downfield.
Throwing the ball into those tight windows.
trying to be cautious.
>> As the weather gets colder wetter, how important is it for the bears be able to establish the It's very important, you know, defense and the running game.
That's what they say.
Travels.
>> So, you know, once you later into the season, those things that you need to be able to evolve.
You need to be able to lean on their defense, making stops your office, being able to run the ball and put points on the board get goals small, state.
And you know, you've got to be able to start off very maybe 3, 4 yard runs and hopefully by end of game goes will turn into 6, 7, If you are or even breaking a few.
>> What role do you think injuries are playing right now including Luther Burden in common?
I do think Kyle he's Caleb Williams.
You think he's completely healed from his hamstring I think Arabs he looks to be running around well, >> You know, I guess my thing will alone guy.
When do we get do they get him back?
He very significant the run game.
He's a different style of warmer and, you know, having the opportunity you have that warm 2 parts with 2 guys can be in the backfield are important time whether it be first down through 3rd bal.
It's important and, you know, being able to give him a break, women to so have.
>> So the team also landed a really big addition 2 weeks ago.
They traded 2 future first-round draft picks to the Titans for all pro defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons.
He's one of the best in the league and he's proved it these last 2 games.
How do you think he's changed the team?
think you're looking there after his last 2 >> could do 2 more first-round for satisfied.
Here's changes the whole atmosphere on the defense things they were able to do before they're able to do.
Now able to rush for get pressure with those 4 and allow your linebackers and cornerbacks to do what they do back there.
He has his taser, whole atmosphere around the building.
I would have to imagine, you know, when you have a guy that the mayor double teams now that means everyone else's war on want everyone else should be worn on war.
Now you've got to win your battles those guys and win their battles with.
He's taking all that double because we've seen be the double take now.
Now you're putting something forward.
Now your you're watching have the interview to play of 4 quarters.
Look like he's really motivated.
I mean, there's guys really stepped up since who's walked into the building.
>> According to analytics produced by ESPN, the Bears have a 90% chance of making the playoffs.
And a 42% chance of winning their division.
What are the challenges you think they face for the remainder of the season where they need to do?
But think it's just about staying Brown, I think and I think that's something Coach Johnson will do a good >> He's not going to let them get ahead of themselves.
It's going to be one game with one week at a time.
game a time.
One play at a time and they're going move forward very caring.
Improve, things they did not do well in the 1st half of the season improve on those things second era.
You're looking at a possible long run of the playoff long run in the playoffs.
How far big hear the word?
Not.
You're
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