Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears quarterback and the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has reached a pivotal moment in his career under the guidance of head coach Ben Johnson. In his first season, Williams has led the Bears to fourth-quarter comebacks in consecutive games, showcasing his potential as a leader on the field.
So far this season, Williams has completed 60.8 percent of his passes, accumulating 2,136 yards, with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has also added 246 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to his stat line, reflecting his versatility as a quarterback. While his statistics may not surpass those of other rookie quarterbacks, he has demonstrated a commendable level of consistency, tying for the league lead with four game-winning drives.
“Caleb just needed time actually playing quarterback in a real system,” an anonymous executive told The Athletic, emphasizing the importance of experience in his development. The Bears have found success recently, winning six out of their last seven games, including thrilling comebacks against the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants. While these victories may not have come against elite teams, they signal a positive trend for a franchise that has not celebrated a playoff win in 15 years.
One of Williams” most significant improvements has been his ability to reduce the number of sacks he takes. As a rookie, he faced a staggering 68 sacks, but this season he has been brought down only 14 times. “It”s the combination of him learning to get rid of the ball and understanding that being a quarterback isn”t just about making big plays,” said another executive. “It”s about finding the open man and allowing your playmakers to shine.”
Entering the NFL with considerable hype, Williams has felt the weight of expectations, especially with the standout performances of fellow quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye this season. However, as he continues to adapt to the professional game, his progress can be measured against his previous performances. Johnson”s coaching has been pivotal, as the Bears” running game has significantly improved since the bye week, jumping from an average of 102.3 yards per game to an impressive 183.4 yards per game.
Johnson, recognized for his offensive acumen while with the Detroit Lions, has tailored the passing game to better suit Williams” strengths. This includes limiting the field reads to help him process the game more effectively. Transitioning from a college system that did not emphasize pro-style concepts, Williams” adjustment period was expected to take time, particularly given the upheaval in the Bears” coaching staff during his rookie year.
“Caleb still has way too much backyard ball in him,” noted a fourth executive. “While he can make plays on the move, it”s not a sustainable way to play.” The Bears are seeing progress rather than perfection, but if Williams continues on this upward trajectory, the franchise may finally have a reliable quarterback for the first time in years.
