As the Chicago Bears’ 2024 season unfolds, fans are already starting to feel the weight of unmet expectations surrounding their highly-touted rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams. Drafted first overall, Williams was seen as the savior for a franchise in desperate need of stability at the most important position. However, through the first three games, there are growing concerns that the same systemic issues that plagued previous quarterbacks are beginning to affect Williams as well. Here are five reasons why Bears fans should be concerned about Caleb Williams.
The Bears’ offensive line has been a consistent weak point for several seasons, and unfortunately, it appears not much has changed. Williams has been sacked 13 times in just three games, a staggering number that highlights the lack of protection he’s receiving. The pressure is coming from all sides, and while some of the sacks can be attributed to Williams holding onto the ball too long, the line’s inability to give him adequate time to go through his progressions is a major red flag. A young quarterback under constant duress can quickly develop bad habits, leading to more turnovers and stalled drives.
Head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron have come under fire for their questionable play-calling and overall game management. Many fans and analysts have pointed out that the Bears’ offensive scheme lacks creativity and fails to put Williams in a position to succeed. The coaching staff’s inability to adjust to opposing defenses and their reluctance to tailor the game plan to Williams’ strengths could stunt his development. When a team’s coaching staff is considered among the worst in the division, it’s hard to have confidence that they will get the best out of their quarterback.
“I threw (the ball) 52 times? Jeez.” Caleb Williams on the number of pass attempts he had in Week 3.
One of the most significant concerns for Bears fans is the immense pressure placed on Caleb Williams to be the savior of a franchise that has been searching for a true franchise quarterback for decades. Drafted first overall, Williams arrived in Chicago with sky-high expectations, and the burden of being the face of the franchise at such a young age can be overwhelming. The intense media scrutiny, coupled with the passionate and often impatient fan base, means that every mistake Williams makes will be magnified.
This pressure can hinder a young quarterback’s development, especially if the team isn’t performing well around him. We’ve seen it happen before—highly touted prospects struggle under the weight of expectations, and their confidence takes a hit. If Williams begins to feel the pressure mounting, it could lead to rushed decisions on the field, second-guessing himself, and ultimately stunted growth.
The Bears’ long history of quarterback woes only exacerbates this issue, as Williams is constantly being compared to past failures and is expected to succeed where others have failed. Without proper support from the organization—both on and off the field—there’s a real risk that the expectations could become too much for Williams to bear, potentially derailing his career before it even gets started.
The emergence of other rookie quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels, who had a historic performance in Week 3 for the Washington Commanders, has led to unfair comparisons. While it’s still early, these comparisons can create unnecessary pressure on Williams. If Daniels or other rookie QBs continue to outperform Williams, the narrative could shift, leading to doubts about whether the Bears made the right choice in drafting him. Such doubts could undermine Williams’ confidence and further complicate his transition to the NFL.
Perhaps the most concerning factor is the success of former Bears quarterback Justin Fields with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fields currently leads the NFL in fourth-quarter passer rating, a far cry from his struggles in Chicago. This success raises questions about whether the Bears’ problems lie more with their coaching staff and organizational structure than with their quarterbacks. If Fields continues to thrive while Williams struggles, it could spark frustration among fans and lead to a loss of faith in the current regime’s ability to develop a franchise quarterback.
In conclusion, while Caleb Williams has shown flashes of his immense potential, the early signs are troubling. A weak offensive line, questionable coaching, franchise weight, unfair comparisons, and the shadow of Justin Fields’ success all contribute to a growing sense of concern. If the Bears don’t address these issues quickly, they risk repeating the same mistakes that have kept them from finding a true franchise quarterback for years.
