As the Chicago Bears’ offensive players prepared to break into their individual position meetings, a new energy filled the room. They had just listened to their fresh-faced offensive coordinator, Thomas Brown, stepping into the role after Shane Waldron was released. Just before the room emptied, a voice emerged, seeking the attention of his teammates.
It was not just any moment; it was the morning of November 13, following a tough stretch where the Bears dropped three straight, including a disheartening 19-3 defeat to the New England Patriots. The offense struggled, scoring only 27 points over those three games, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams posting a 13.3 QBR — one of the lowest in the league. Accountability was hanging heavily in the locker room, and Williams decided it was his time to step up and own his part in the struggles that had placed Brown in his new position.
Facing his teammates, the 22-year-old rookie made his stand. “He realized pretty quickly the magnitude of his position, and what he means to a lot of people in this organization,” noted tight end Cole Kmet. “And unfortunately, just how this business works, a lot of people’s jobs and livelihoods ride on his success.”
Williams’ rollercoaster rookie year was an education like no other. The Bears eventually snapped a grueling franchise-record-tying 10-game losing streak with a victory over the Green Bay Packers. The losses came in all forms, from the heart-wrenching — a controversial Hail Mary by the Washington Commanders — to the exasperating miss on a field goal against the Packers. Even the organizational struggles were on full display when time management miscues marred Matt Eberflus’ last game as head coach on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit. The next day, Thomas Brown found himself stepping up as the interim head coach.
Yet, through all the chaos and the tough lessons, Williams showed the promise that led the Bears to nab him with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. He set a new NFL rookie record with 353 consecutive passes without an interception and became the first Bears rookie QB to pass for over 3,000 yards, wrapping up the season with a commendable 3,541 yards. Williams also set a team rookie record with 20 passing touchdowns. However, those promising stats were tempered by the 68 sacks he endured, tying him with the infamous mark set by Houston Texans’ quarterback David Carr in 2005, and a season-ending QBR of 46.5, ranking him 28th in the league.
For the Bears’ next era, centered around Williams’ potential, the top priority is clear: nurture and develop the young quarterback. He’ll be entering the next season with his third play caller and many questions surrounding his evolution into the franchise QB the Bears have long sought.
Reflecting on Williams’ tough initiation into the NFL, it was a streak agonizing enough to bring back memories of Troy Aikman’s own challenging start as a No. 1 pick. Aikman witnessed Williams’ trials firsthand during a Bears loss in Minnesota on December 16, remarking on the air: “He was grimacing in an enormous amount of pain, and as I watch him, you can tell he’s a defeated guy… what you worry about is a rookie quarterback losing confidence.”
The rookie’s struggles did not go unnoticed at home either. John Jackson, Williams’ former USC teammate and current roommate, sensed the toll the season was taking on Williams. Following a close loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3, Jackson spoke with Williams, urging him to return to his upbeat and energetic self.
Navigating through his rookie year, Williams found solace in his Lake Forest home, shared with Jackson — a place miles apart from his NFL challenges. Whether exploring downtown Chicago, sneaking incognito rides at Six Flags, or enjoying upscale meals prepared by a private chef, Williams and Jackson kept life vibrant amid the pressures of professional football. Their abode, equipped with amenities from a game room to extensive closets for Williams’ wardrobe, offered brief reprieves from the intense scrutiny of NFL life.
Despite the ups and downs, the Bears started showing signs of life, clinching victories against the Rams and Panthers after the Colts loss. Williams impressed with three touchdown passes and an interception-free performance in those games, and his superb QBR against the Panthers ranked second in the league for Week 5.
Williams’ rookie campaign witnessed standout performances alongside tough breaks, like the heartbreaking Hail Mary attempt against Washington, which ended their three-game winning streak. Meanwhile, camaraderie and competition with fellow rookie quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels kept the NFL Rookie of the Year conversation buzzing.
As the season closed, the prospects of what comes next for Williams and the Bears lingers largely on the coaching hire, with Lions OC Ben Johnson reportedly in the mix. Williams has already shown flashes that could attract top coaching talent, but development remains crucial to avoid squandering a rookie season filled with hard-earned lessons.
As Williams looks ahead to his second year, his offseason focus will be on enhancing his physical and mental endurance. The goal? Turn rookie experiences into wisdom, hoping they will pave a pathway to success he knows his talent is capable of achieving.
