That’s a logical explanation for Williams’ production increase, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Brown’s rise. Since the assistant took over the role of offensive game manager, the Bears have appeared more organized, protected Williams more consistently and simply acted like a professional offensive player. Williams has thrived, trading in running for his life while under constant pressure and needing more confident and precise passes. He still plays with his legs and plays sharp football; Now, however, the rest of the offense is helping him and almost helped the Bears to a surprising win over the NFC North rival Vikings last Sunday.

“Our connection — my playing ability and his coaching, I think, have meshed pretty well so far,” Williams said of Brown. “He did a great job of understanding me, even though we haven’t had many conversations and many opportunities to do something like that in the past. I think he did a good job of understanding me and the players we have on this team. I think so.” We will continue to grow this week and the challenge will be further proof of that.

Despite losing five straight, the Bears have taken offense with renewed optimism after proving difficult in their last two games. Both divisional matchups against NFC rivals are above them in the NFC North standings. Their path doesn’t get any easier as they embark on a brutal stretch that includes two games against the 10-1 Detroit Lions, trips to San Francisco, Minnesota and Green Bay, and a home game against Seattle.

The final results may not suggest a bright future, but Williams has silenced his doubters in his last two games. The only question Bears fans are asking now: Would things be different if Brown had been the OK all along?

“Not having someone fill in in the middle of the season gives you a better opportunity to understand them, talk to them more and be with them and their family a lot more,” Williams said. “It would have helped, but that’s not the situation. This is the third week with Thomas. If we go out and perform well, it helps our relationship. The open communication we have during games, on the practice field and in the rooms is just me building it.”

Williams is right – wondering what could have been is a waste of time for these bears. They have their franchise quarterback in place and their eyes are rightfully set on the future, which looks much more promising after the last two weeks.