The Chicago Bears have arrived at training camp. Rookies and veterans are gathered at Halas Hall, ready for the work to begin. Head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff have what they feel is a good plan in place for everybody. The team made strides last season. Now, the challenge this year is for everybody to raise the bar higher, challenge each other, and work harder. Easily, the most captivating storyline for fans going into next month is Caleb Williams. The #1 overall pick has signed his rookie contract and is ready to go.
Plenty of people are skeptical of Eberflus’ ability to develop the young quarterback. However, he doesn’t seem bothered by that. The head coach has laid out a detailed process for Williams to follow. It will include constantly working against the starting defense in practice, giving him a taste of what he can expect every week in the NFL. There will also be a chance to work against the Cincinnati Bengals in a joint practice session. Last but not least is the preseason. Eberflus was asked how much playing time, if any, Williams would see next month.
He believes 45-55 snaps is the likely range, depending on the health of the offensive line.
That is what 45-55 snaps should entail. Justin Fields appeared in two games last year, throwing nine total passes. The year before, he appeared in three games and threw 30. What Eberflus said is true. Things depend on the flow of the games and how healthy the guys around him are. Chicago has no intention of putting Williams behind patchwork protection just for a few extra snaps in a meaningless game. John Fox made that mistake a few years ago with Mitch Trubisky and almost got him killed.
Chicago’s preseason opener is August 1st in Canton, Ohio. They will play the Hall of Fame game against the Houston Texans. Teams generally never play starters in that contest, preferring to save them for the next game, which would be in Buffalo against the Bills on August 10th. Expect that to be the date the Bears have circled for Caleb Williams. He’ll have had enough time to absorb the offense and practice in it. Buffalo should offer a nice opening challenge as one of the class teams of the AFC.
