"Thank God for rule changes": NFL fans outraged as Caleb Williams throws hospital ball at DJ Moore

During the Thanksgiving showdown between the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams unleashed a pass that shocked fans. The play left wide receiver DJ Moore exposed to a bone-crushing hit from Lions safety Kerby Joseph.

A "hospital pass" in football is notoriously dangerous. It's a throw that forces the receiver to jump while running at full speed, often leaving them defenseless against an incoming tackle. In this case, Williams' pass put Moore in a precarious situation, with fans immediately recognizing the potential for serious injury.

The collision occurred early in the first quarter on the Bears' third offensive play. Moore took a hard hit and remained down, visibly shaken. He was quickly escorted to the blue medical tent for examination, raising immediate concerns about a potential game-ending injury.

Fortunately, Moore's story took a positive turn. He returned on the Bears' second drive, suggesting that the injury was less severe than initially feared.

The first fan reaction captured the historical context of such dangerous plays.

"Thank God for rule changes, Ryan Clark woulda ended DJ career back in the day," a fan wrote.

Another fan critically observed.

"Caleb knows this throw works in college, Caleb does not know this throw is terrible in the NFL," one fan commented.

One fan had a particularly harsh critique.

"He was lucky it wasn't picked," a fan said.

Another one suggested that this wasn't an isolated case for Williams.

"Dude throws a lot of those," a fan wrote.

Others were sarcastic and gave a blunt assessment.

"He's just a rookie, generational talent might I add," one fan said.

"Caleb sucks," a fan commented.

Caleb Williams' offensive struggles in the spotlight

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears - Source: Imagn

Caleb Williams has struggled this season and it has reflected on the Bears' standing. Heading into the matchup with a 4-7 record, the Bears faced the 10-1 Lions who have been decimating opposing defenses. Williams, the No. 1 draft pick, faced Detroit's No. 2-ranked scoring defense, which had allowed a mere 12 points in its previous two games.

This Thanksgiving clash continued a long-standing tradition of the Lions hosting the early game. Historically, they have struggled in these matchups with a dismal 5-18 record since 2000 and lost their last seven Thanksgiving Day games. However, this year felt different, with the Lions emerging as a powerhouse team in the NFC.

Caleb Williams' "hospital ball" became a defining moment, symbolizing the growing pains of a rookie quarterback learning the unforgiving nature of NFL football.