The Chicago Bears suffered their 10th consecutive loss a week ago when they fell to the Seattle Seahawks in a low-scoring 6-3 contest on Thursday Night Football.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams continued to endure a challenging first season in the NFL, and his performance drew notable criticism from broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit.
Williams completed 16 of 28 passes for 122 yards and threw one interception.
The rookie was also sacked seven times, a painful statistic that contributed to his season total of 67 sacks – ranking him fourth all-time in single-season sacks taken by an NFL quarterback.
The Bears’ only points came from a field goal, leaving fans frustrated with an offense that struggled to find any rhythm.
On the Amazon Prime broadcast, Herbstreit analyzed Williams’ performance, acknowledging the rookie’s physical gifts while questioning his readiness to handle the rigors of professional football.
“We’ve seen Caleb Williams tonight with his playmaking ability. Remember that low snap, he was able to pick it up and locate a receiver and make a throw to Keenan Allen. He makes so many spectacular plays, he’s got such physical ability,” Herbstreit said.
However, Herbstreit tempered his praise with caution.
“I think the thing that remains to be seen, and only time will tell, is if he understands what it takes to be an NFL quarterback as far as the preparation,” Herbstreit continued.
“As far as first guy there, last guy leaving. I’m not suggesting he’s not doing those things, but just all of the little things that really make the great quarterbacks special.”
The loss was another bitter pill for the Bears, who are now 4-12 on the season.
Chicago has not won a game since mid-October, when they returned from their bye week.
Following a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions, the Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was also dismissed earlier in the season after a dismal offensive showing against the New England Patriots.
Williams, the former USC standout and first-overall pick, has flashed at times this season.
However, there is growing concern that he may never live up to the lofty expectations that were originally set for him.
As for Herbstreit, he’s becoming more and more outspoken as time has gone on – not just at the NFL level, but the college level as well.
In addition to his Thursday Night Football duties on Amazon, Herbstreit is also the longtime lead analyst for ESPN’s college football coverage.
While broadcasting Ohio State’s first-round CFP matchup against Tennessee, Herbstreit took aim at his fellow ESPN colleagues over their criticism of Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day.
“First Take tried to fire him. They thought he was done,” Herbstreit said of ESPN’s popular daytime talk show.
Getting back to Williams and the Bears, most fans assume Herbstreit’s criticism is backed-up by some sort of inside knowledge.
True or not, there have long been rumblings that Williams doesn’t exactly have the strongest of work ethics.
What are your thoughts on Herbstreit’s comments?
As for Williams, what are your thoughts on his first season in the NFL? … Are you still a believer? Or will history show him to be a bust???
