The Chicago Bears took a gamble when they selected Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. And after a tumultuous rookie season, it’s fair to say that the jury is still out on whether that gamble will pay off.
Williams faced a perfect storm of challenges in his first year. He had to navigate a less-than-stellar coaching staff, a porous offensive line that allowed a staggering 68 sacks, and a lack of offensive weapons. Despite these obstacles, Williams managed to put up decent numbers, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns with just six interceptions.
But for a player with such high expectations, “decent” might not be good enough. Williams was touted as a generational talent, a quarterback who could single-handedly transform the Bears’ franchise. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his rookie season was marred by inconsistency and a lack of explosive plays.
The Bears need to decide whether Williams’ struggles were a result of his own shortcomings or the circumstances surrounding him. Was he simply not ready for the NFL? Or was he a victim of poor coaching and a lack of support? The answer to that question will determine how the Bears approach the offseason and what their expectations are for Williams in the future.
