Despite a tumultuous 2024 season for the Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams has remained a constant, impressing general manager Ryan Poles.
Poles acknowledged Williams’ resilience. He sees it as an essential part of the young quarterback’s development.
With the hiring of new head coach Ben Johnson, Poles is confident that the challenges Williams encountered will ultimately benefit him.
“To me, it was more of creating an environment to challenge [Williams] more than it was to – I don’t know another word – but kind of baby him along,” Poles told ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.
“I think there’s a space for building someone’s confidence, but I think you have to be demanding and challenging of the expectations of what you’re looking for. I think guys respond to that really well, and I think he needs that and desires that.”
For the most part, Williams responded to adversity last year and finished the season strong.
Over the final month of the season, Williams threw 11 touchdowns with just one interception, showing significant improvement and a much more composed presence on the field.
This late-season turnaround was a stark contrast to his performances early in the year.
While some of Williams’ challenges were not intentionally designed to test him, Poles wanted to ensure the quarterback had the right support system around him.
Despite efforts to bolster the roster with free-agent signings and trades, things didn’t unfold as hoped.
Reports also pointed to issues with head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, with some saying Waldron failed to meet with Williams regularly to discuss plays.
Regardless, the bottom line is Poles is confident in Williams’ work ethic and his eagerness to improve.
However, to fully develop, Poles believes Williams needs the right resources and support – a task that Poles hopes new head coach Ben Johnson can help with.
Johnson, who helped turn around the Detroit Lions with a strong offensive identity, could prove instrumental in maximizing Williams’ potential.
Even with the possibility of a sophomore slump, Poles remains optimistic, believing that Williams’ dedication to both his personal growth and his teammates will drive his success.
The Bears’ offense is brimming with talent, with weapons like Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen, and D.J. Moore poised to make an impact.
The key, according to Poles, will be putting all the pieces together and creating an environment where Williams and the entire team can thrive.
What are your thoughts on Poles’ comments? … Do you think his concerns about Williams being babied are legitimate???
