Caleb Williams Shines as Bears Offense Excels Despite Defensive Struggles Against 49ers

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams delivered one of the best performances of his career, throwing for 330 yards and two touchdowns while nearly leading a game-winning drive in the final seconds. Although his last pass to the end zone fell incomplete, Williams displayed confidence and skill, keeping the Bears competitive against one of the league’s strongest teams.

The Bears’ defense, however, struggled to contain the 49ers. Safety Jaquan Brisker took responsibility after the game, admitting that the defense let the offense down. Despite an early interception returned for a touchdown, the defense failed to consistently pressure Brock Purdy, who finished the game with five total touchdowns and controlled much of the action.

Bears’ Defense Struggles Highlight Need for Improvement Despite Offensive Success

Head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that the defense did not do enough to disrupt Purdy’s rhythm in the pocket. The Bears recorded only one sack and allowed 42 points, a margin too high for the offense to overcome. While the team did force two punts, an accomplishment few defenses have achieved against San Francisco in December, the defensive shortcomings were a key factor in the loss.

Despite the setback, the game highlighted the Bears’ offensive potential. Williams’ strong performance, along with standout efforts from rookies Luther Burden and Colston Loveland, suggests the team is moving in the right direction. With the playoffs approaching and a postseason appearance for the first time since 2020, the Bears will need to improve defensively to advance further while relying on their offense to carry momentum.

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Williams Evades Giants’ Pressure, Sparks Dramatic Comeback To Keep Bears Playoff Hopes Alive

Williams faced constant pressure from the Giants’ defensive front, which has troubled many teams this season. Despite the challenging conditions, including a snowy Soldier Field, he completed 20 of 36 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown. Beyond the statistics, Williams repeatedly improvised, scrambling out of the pocket to deliver precise throws to open targets, though some catches were dropped by his teammates.

The game’s tension peaked late as Chicago’s win probability dropped to just 6 percent. With less than six minutes remaining, Williams sparked a comeback, connecting with tight end Colston Loveland and then rushing 29 yards to set up a touchdown pass to Rome Odunze. These plays narrowed the gap, putting the Bears within striking distance and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Williams’ Dual-Threat Leadership Powers Bears’ Comeback, Leaving Giants Defense Scrambling In Defeat

Williams’ late-game heroics continued on Chicago’s final drive. After a favorable punt, he connected with Luther Burden III before scrambling to the sideline for a game-winning touchdown. His ability to combine passing and rushing under pressure left the Giants’ defense scrambling, cementing his reputation as a versatile and clutch quarterback. Teammates lauded his poise, agility, and leadership in the huddle.

The Bears’ comeback against New York reflected a pattern seen in previous games against teams like the Raiders, Bengals, and Commanders. Williams emphasized that such victories build confidence in the team’s resilience, regardless of the score or situation. For Chicago, these dramatic wins demonstrate both the quarterback’s evolution and the team’s potential to contend in high-pressure scenarios.

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General manager Ryan Poles downplayed the incident, calling it overblown. He emphasized that a single tough practice is normal during training camp and even praised Williams’ emotional investment. Coach Ben Johnson and his staff remain focused on long-term growth, not daily perfection.

Williams, like the rest of the team, is still adapting to Johnson’s intricate offensive system. The Bears are installing a wide variety of plays, with a focus on detail and accountability. Williams has acknowledged that the process has been challenging but believes he’s growing in his understanding and execution.

Bears Build Around Williams with New Weapons, Complex Playbook, and Rising Team Optimism

The Bears have revamped their offense around Williams, giving him a better offensive line and adding rookie weapons like tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. With playoff hopes looming, fans and media are eager for signs of immediate success from the rookie quarterback.

Some around the team, including veteran backup Case Keenum, have noted how complex Johnson’s offense is, particularly for quarterbacks. The play calls are long and often require memory and precision, with no wristband assistance. Even experienced players are finding it challenging to adapt quickly.

Despite the offense’s complexity, there’s optimism. Johnson notes that the team started from a more advanced point than in his first year calling plays in Detroit. Williams has shown flashes of brilliance in team drills, including a 25-yard misdirection touchdown and improved pre-snap recognition.

Williams Learns Structure, Footwork, and Poise Amid Growing Pains of NFL Transition

A key adjustment for Williams has been moving from shotgun to under-center formations. Coaches are retraining his footwork and pre-snap reads. This shift is helping him better understand how defenses adjust to different looks, improving both his mechanics and decision-making.

A malfunctioning headset during practice exposed an area of growth for Williams: staying composed when communication breaks down. Johnson used it as a teaching opportunity, emphasizing the need for quarterbacks to memorize fallback plays and react calmly under pressure. Pre-snap delays and penalties also show the growing pains of leading an NFL offense.

Coaches are pushing Williams to play more within the system rather than relying on improvisation. While his off-script talent remains an asset, the goal is to mold him into a quarterback who can consistently work through progressions and trust the offense. Recent practices have shown he’s beginning to strike that balance.

Both Poles and Johnson stress that development will take time. Drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes’ early days, Poles explained that Williams’ ability to identify and manipulate defenses will grow over time. The Bears are committed to a long-term vision, understanding that growing pains are part of developing a true franchise quarterback.

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He’s publicly declared significant personal goals for the upcoming season, including throwing for 4,000 yards and completing 70% of his passes, benchmarks that would represent a historic performance for a Bears quarterback.

Caleb Williams Embraces Internal Focus, Rejects External Pressure in Pursuit of History

Though the pressure to perform is undeniable for any top draft pick, Williams maintains that he doesn’t feel burdened by external expectations. In an interview on ESPN 1000’s “Waddle & Silvy” show, Williams made it clear that his focus is inward, on his team and responsibilities, not the media or fan chatter. “Pressure’s not a thing for me,” he stated, emphasizing that while pressure is often seen as a negative, he views it as a privilege, not a burden.

Williams’ rookie season numbers were respectable: 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. These stats placed him among the top single-season performers in Bears history. While falling short of playoff contention, Williams proved he could handle the NFL stage.

Achieving his 2025 goal of 4,000 yards would not only mark personal progress but also break new ground for the franchise, as no Bears QB has ever reached that milestone in a season.

Training Camp Teaches Leadership, Accountability, and Mental Growth for Caleb Williams’ Development

A recent moment in training camp showcased both Williams’ growth and the trust placed in him by the coaching staff. When a technical glitch with his headset disrupted a drive, Williams got frustrated, but Bears head coach Ben Johnson used the moment to stress the importance of preparation and adaptability. Williams took the lesson in stride, understanding that taking ownership in chaotic moments is part of becoming a true leader

Coach Johnson has noted significant progress in Williams during camp, particularly in his mental approach. Williams is becoming increasingly self-aware and disciplined, correcting mistakes before coaches can even point them out.

According to Johnson, this self-driven attitude and rapid development are promising signs that Williams is on track to become not just the Bears’ franchise quarterback but also a long-term leader capable of steering the team to success.

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Despite a near interception by safety Jonathan Owens, the offense sealed the series with a short touchdown pass from Williams to rookie running back Kyle Monangai, marking a rare two-minute drill win for the offense.

Although Williams succeeded in some drills, Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson noted inconsistencies. In another red-zone scenario, Williams found Olamide Zaccheaus for a score. However, he was later criticized for being slow in progressing through his reads, particularly on a checkdown to Roschon Johnson.

Johnson’s feedback highlighted the need for Williams to quicken his decision-making, though he acknowledged that Williams’ elusiveness and ability to deliver under pressure remain strong assets.

Jaquan Brisker Returns with Confidence, Physicality, and Renewed Passion After Concussion Recovery

Safety Jaquan Brisker spoke publicly for the first time since missing most of last season due to a vestibular concussion. His recovery process included neurological therapy at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, focusing on eye tracking and fast-paced coordination drills.

Brisker admitted to emotional struggles during his time off but remains committed to playing his physical style of football, insisting the injury was an unfortunate and isolated incident.

Back on the field, Brisker has regained his energy and aggressive play style. Coach Ben Johnson praised Brisker for his physicality and intelligence, describing him as a player who impacts the run game like a linebacker. While full contact isn’t allowed yet in minicamp, Brisker’s intensity and leadership are already evident. His passion and readiness to hit again have brought excitement to the defensive unit.

New Coaches Sharpen Technique, Emphasize Conceptual Understanding Across Defensive Positions and Roles

Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson emphasized the impact of the new coaching staff, particularly Al Harris, the new defensive backs coach, on refining players’ technical skills. Stevenson welcomed the detailed feedback, acknowledging that even the smallest adjustments can make a meaningful difference in his performance.

Harris, a former Pro Bowler, draws on his NFL experience to help players go beyond simply reading their opponents, focusing instead on grasping the offensive concepts behind route patterns. This growing emphasis on strategic understanding is transforming the way the Bears’ secondary approaches the game.

Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is adjusting to a new scheme under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Unlike his previous, more defined role, Dexter is now being utilized on multiple fronts, offering versatility in defensive formations.

Playing alongside veteran Grady Jarrett, whom Dexter has admired since middle school, is aiding his development. Dexter praised Jarrett’s relentless effort and array of pass-rushing moves, hinting at a promising tandem in the Bears’ interior defense.

Several players continued to miss minicamp due to injuries, including Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III, T.J. Edwards, Kyler Gordon, and Braxton Jones. Meanwhile, Jaylon Johnson and Elijah Hicks were excused for personal reasons.

Despite these absences, the Bears made significant strides in their practices, particularly with the integration of new players and schemes on both sides of the ball, laying the groundwork for a more cohesive and competitive roster.

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Williams Faced Doubts, Challenges, And Growth During Bears Rookie Season And Transition

Williams acknowledged he had reservations about the Bears due to their history of struggles at the quarterback position, noting that the franchise had never produced a 4,000-yard passer. The former Heisman Trophy winner admitted he and his family considered other options, including his preferred destination, the Minnesota Vikings.

However, after visiting Chicago in April 2024, Williams’ enthusiasm for the Bears grew stronger, and he expressed a sincere desire to help turn the franchise around.

During his rookie year, Williams threw for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns, but the Bears struggled as a team, finishing 5-12. The season saw major coaching changes, including the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and the departure of head coach Matt Eberflus.

Williams faced significant adversity, including a league-high 68 sacks and a low quarterback rating, but he maintained that he never anticipated the season’s decline. He also shared the dynamic with his father, who has been both a supportive presence and a critical voice throughout his career.

Williams’ Film Study Methods And Coaching Disconnect Highlight Need For Development Shift

The book also revealed a disconnect between Williams and Chicago’s former coaches, noting that he often studied film on his own without guidance. Williams dismissed suggestions that he was unaware of how to watch film, clarifying that his issue was with learning more efficient film study techniques.

He found some of the portrayals about his relationship with the coaching staff to be “funny,” highlighting the challenges of adapting to new systems and expectations.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson recently spoke about wanting to reshape the team’s narrative around quarterback development. Johnson emphasized the importance of resilience and positive body language in overcoming adversity, underscoring that the team must focus on growth rather than dwelling on past struggles.

The coaching staff is committed to supporting Williams and fostering an environment where he and the Bears can succeed together.

The post Caleb Williams Shuts Down Draft Drama, Commits to Bears Future After Rocky Rookie Season appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

This was prompted by excerpts from Seth Wickersham’s forthcoming book American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback, which detailed conversations between Williams and his father about possibly steering his NFL future away from Chicago. Williams admitted the rumors have been a “distraction” and clarified his position for the first time.

Overcoming Doubts and Adversity to Embrace Leadership Role with the Chicago Bears

Williams acknowledged initial doubts about joining the Bears, citing the team’s historic struggles at the quarterback position. He referenced Chicago’s lack of a 4,000-yard passer as a factual concern he had during the pre-draft process.

While the book noted Minnesota as his preferred destination, Williams stated that a pre-draft visit with the Bears in April 2024 shifted his mindset. He expressed a strong desire to become the player who helps redefine the team’s quarterback legacy, saying, “I wanted to be here. I love being here.”

The 2024 season was turbulent for both Williams and the Bears, ending with a 5-12 record. Despite individual highlights — such as 3,541 passing yards and 20 touchdowns — Williams also faced heavy adversity, including 68 sacks and the league’s 31st-ranked QBR.

The season saw the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus. Although his father reportedly warned him that “Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die,” Williams emphasized that those opinions do not reflect his own.

Balancing Family Influence, Coaching Gaps, and New Leadership to Reshape Bears’ Future

Williams elaborated on his relationship with his father, Carl Williams, acknowledging his strong opinions and protective nature. Caleb explained that while he values his father’s input, he maintains autonomy over his career.

He shared that he often has to “shut [his] dad down” when discussions become too intense, emphasizing mutual respect within their family dynamic. He made clear that while his parents are deeply involved, they do not speak on his behalf.

The Wickersham book also touched on a lack of support Williams felt from Chicago’s former coaching staff, citing that he often had to study film independently. Williams clarified this point, stating that while he wasn’t instructed on what to watch, the portrayal was somewhat misleading. He expressed a desire to learn more efficient ways to study film and viewed the anecdote in the book as humorous, albeit taken out of context.

New Bears head coach Ben Johnson has expressed a commitment to rewriting the narrative surrounding quarterback development in Chicago. Johnson emphasized the importance of improving Williams’ body language and resilience in the face of adversity.

The goal, according to Johnson, is to create a leadership model that elevates the entire team, focusing on moving forward with a growth mindset. With Johnson at the helm and Williams fully on board, the Bears are aiming to change the course of their quarterback history.

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This deal, which will be finalized at the start of the new league year on March 12, follows another trade for Los Angeles Rams guard Jonah Jackson. These acquisitions signal Chicago’s commitment to providing better protection for quarterback Caleb Williams.

Joe Thuney Brings Experience and Stability

Thuney, a 32-year-old veteran, remains one of the top guards in the NFL. His ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes makes him a valuable addition to Chicago’s roster.

In 2024, the Chiefs experimented with moving Thuney to the left tackle to compensate for weaknesses at the position, which helped stabilize Patrick Mahomes’ blind side but left Kansas City’s interior line vulnerable. Now, as he joins the Bears, Thuney will be expected to reinforce the offensive line alongside Jackson, forming a formidable duo in the trenches.

Thuney has one year remaining on his current contract, with a base salary of $15.5 million. The trade allows the Chiefs to clear $16 million in salary cap space, a move that helps ease financial constraints, especially after franchise-tagging 25-year-old guard Trey Smith.

Meanwhile, the Bears could consider offering Thuney a contract extension, something Kansas City may have struggled to afford due to cap limitations. Chicago’s front office, led by Ryan Poles, opted to invest in proven talent via trades rather than relying on the thin free-agent market for offensive linemen.

Bears Maintain Flexibility While Chiefs Focus on Younger Offensive Line Talent

Despite these major acquisitions, the Bears still have significant cap space and three draft picks in the top 45 selections. This flexibility ensures they are not forced to reach for offensive linemen in the draft and can instead prioritize other areas of need.

While adding two veteran linemen carries some risks—especially considering one is aging and the other has dealt with injuries—Chicago has undoubtedly improved its offensive protection for Caleb Williams. The team remains in a strong position to make further moves as the offseason progresses.

For the Chiefs, parting ways with Thuney is a tough but necessary decision. By freeing up cap space, Kansas City can invest in younger talent and address other pressing needs. With Thuney gone, the team may consider moving 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia to guard after his struggles at left tackle as a rookie.

While the left tackle position remains a major question mark, the Chiefs have a proven track record of finding solutions. With Patrick Mahomes at the helm and a resourceful front office, Kansas City remains well-equipped to navigate this offseason challenge.

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It was the morning of November 13, the day after Shane Waldron was fired as offensive coordinator. The Bears had lost three games in a row, including a 19-3 defeat to the New England Patriots. During that stretch, the offense scored only 27 points, and Caleb Williams had a 13.3 QBR the previous week, the second worst in the league.

There had been growing frustration in the locker room as players felt they needed more leadership from the coaches. Williams decided it was time for him to take responsibility for the struggles that led to Waldron’s firing. The 22-year-old rookie stood in front of his teammates and apologized for his part in the team’s problems.

“He realized pretty quickly the magnitude of his position, and what he means to a lot of people in this organization,” tight end Cole Kmet told ESPN. “And unfortunately, just how this business works, a lot of people’s jobs and livelihoods ride on his success.”

Williams’ rookie season had many ups and downs. The Bears finally ended a franchise-record 10-game losing streak with a win over the Green Bay Packers in the final game. But it wasn’t just the losses that hurt, it was how they lost.

There was a controversial Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders, a blocked field goal in another loss to the Packers, and a mistake at the end of Matt Eberflus’ final game as head coach on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit. The next day, Brown became the interim head coach.

Despite all the challenges, Williams showed flashes of the talent that led to the Bears selecting him with the first pick in the draft. He set a rookie record with 353 pass attempts without an interception, became the first Bears rookie quarterback to throw for more than 3,000 yards (3,541), and set a rookie team record with 20 passing touchdowns.

However, he was also sacked 68 times, which tied the record for the third-most sacks since 1963, and finished the season with a 46.5 QBR, ranking 28th in the league. The next coach’s top priority will be to help Williams develop, especially since he is likely to start next season with his third offensive coordinator and a lot of questions about whether he will become the Bears’ long-term quarterback.

The 10-game losing streak was just one shy of the record for the longest winless streak by a quarterback selected first overall since the common draft began in 1967. Troy Aikman, who was an ESPN analyst during the Bears’ 30-12 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on December 16, saw something in Williams that concerned him.

Vikings linebacker Jihad Ward had just hit Williams hard after he threw a pass that fell incomplete, and cameras showed Williams on the bench, grimacing in pain and looking like he might want to lie down.

“He was grimacing in an enormous amount of pain, and as I watch him, you can tell he’s a defeated guy,” Aikman said during the broadcast. “I mentioned he hasn’t been through anything like this at any point in his career, and what you worry about is a rookie quarterback losing confidence.”

John Jackson could tell something was off with his roommate, Caleb Williams. After the Bears lost 21-16 to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3, Jackson noticed that Williams wasn’t acting like his usual energetic self.

“He’s like, ‘I dunno, I’m just kind of in my head,'” Jackson said. “I was like, ‘Well, you got to make it a point to go be the old you, do what you used to do.'”

Jackson and Williams had been teammates at USC in 2022, when Williams won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore. Jackson transferred to Nevada the following season to get more playing time, but their friendship was rekindled before the draft when they became roommates in Los Angeles. Jackson was later invited to the Bears’ rookie mini-camp and signed to the practice squad.

During the season, Williams faced a tough challenge. He was sacked a league-high 68 times, and while many pointed to the offensive line as the problem, Williams took responsibility, saying there were things he needed to work on to fix the issue.

The two players live in a six-bedroom home near the Bears’ headquarters in Lake Forest, which has become a comfortable spot for them while they experience life in their early 20s.

They’ve had fun trips to downtown Chicago for fancy dinners and to Six Flags Great America for roller coasters. Williams even wore a balaclava at the amusement park to stay anonymous, smiling as he passed by kids wearing his jersey without recognizing him.

The house has Williams’ bedroom, several closets for his clothes, and a game room upstairs. Jackson stays on the first floor, which is spacious. They also have two dogs. Meals are often made by a private chef, but on days when dinner plans aren’t made, they take turns picking up food for each other.

Even though they enjoy hanging out with teammates, their nights are often spent unwinding separately, even if they’re playing the same video game (NBA 2K24 and Call of Duty are their most common games) on different floors.

“If ever something’s pissing him off, or something he did in the game that he thought was a look that he should have switched to that he messed up on and he didn’t do it, he’ll be like, ‘Dude, I should have called this on this play,'” Jackson said. “And then I recall it and talk to him about the game, because I’m paying attention.

“It’s cool having somebody who’s not — I guess opinionated is the right way to say it — and it allows him to ask, ‘What do you think I should have done on this?'”

After the loss to Indianapolis, the Bears went on to win against the Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers. In those victories, Williams threw three touchdown passes without an interception, and his 126.2 QBR against the Panthers was the second-best in the league for Week 5.

Things were starting to look better for Williams and the Bears as they prepared for their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Jackson noticed a change in Williams’ mood, as he bought 16 pairs of cleats and even styled an outfit inspired by the British TV series “Peaky Blinders” for the trip.

The Bears won the game 35-16, with Williams throwing four touchdown passes. His 91.7 QBR was the best in the NFL for Week 6.

“It’s cool seeing him get back to himself and be comfortable, because obviously, he’s in a position where a lot is on his shoulders and a lot is expected — especially at the quarterback position,” Jackson said. “If you guys win, it’s all credit to you.

“And then if you lose, most of it falls on your shoulders.”

Williams was waving his arms, trying to get his defensive backs to move closer as the Washington Commanders prepared for a Hail Mary attempt on October 27. But Bears coach Matt Eberflus was only concerned about stopping a deep throw, allowing a 13-yard pass to Terry McLaurin that moved the Commanders to their 48-yard line with six seconds left.

Eberflus’ decision led to more questions about accountability, as players like safety Kevin Byard III openly questioned the strategy. However, the focus shifted when cameras caught cornerback Tyrique Stevenson taunting the fans with his back to the field as Washington’s receivers ran toward the end zone for the final play.

Stevenson did recover in time to tip the ball, but it was caught by Noah Brown for a 52-yard touchdown.

What made the situation even more significant for Williams was who threw the pass. The Commanders had drafted rookie Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick, and the game had been built up as a matchup between two top contenders for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Daniels had a much better performance in the game, passing for 325 yards and 1 touchdown, while Williams only had 131 yards and no touchdowns. Despite this, Williams still had a chance to save face with a win.

Instead, the Bears lost 18-15, ending their three-game winning streak.

In the days after the loss, much of the conversation was about Stevenson, who was benched for the first two series the following week. Another controversial moment came when the Bears handed the ball off to backup center Doug Kramer Jr. on a third-and-goal at the 1-yard line. Kramer, who had never carried the ball before, lost the fumble.

Williams didn’t play his best game, but he did lead a 10-play, 62-yard drive to give the Bears a 15-12 lead with just 25 seconds left. It was shaping up to be his first game-winning drive—until the Hail Mary.

“At the end of the day, the biggest thing is learning from it and then not letting it linger on,” said All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

That loss was the first of a 10-game losing streak.

WHAT’S NEXT for Williams may depend on who the Bears hire as their next coach. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is reportedly on the Bears’ radar, and Williams has played some of his best games against Detroit, throwing for 681 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions.

It’s still unclear whether the potential for Williams’ growth will be enough to attract Johnson or any other top coaching candidates to an organization that struggled to manage the quarterback’s rookie season. Bears general manager Ryan Poles said that Brown, the current offensive coordinator, will be interviewed for the head coach position.

But one high-ranking Bears source strongly disagreed with the idea that this season had been wasted for Williams.

“No way,” the source said. “I wouldn’t even use that word. I mean, go back and look at Troy Aikman. I think he was 0-11 in his first 11 starts. Look at Peyton Manning’s rookie year [3-13, 26 TDs, 28 interceptions].”

“Caleb’s done an excellent job. Not only as a player, but from a maturity level.”

Poles also mentioned that Williams won’t be directly involved in the hiring process, but his influence will still be important.

“A coach that challenges myself,” Williams said, when asked about the kind of coach he would want. “Whether it’s a [current] offensive coordinator or head coach, and also challenges us as players—whether it’s on the field or [about our] character. A man of his word. A disciplined coach.”

For Williams, the season was full of ups and downs.

Milestones:

• 353 passes without an interception – most for an NFL rookie
• 3,541 passing yards – 1st for a Bears rookie
• 20 passing touchdowns – 1st for a Bears rookie
• 68 sacks – tied for 3rd most in NFL history
• 46.5 QBR – 28th in NFL
• 5th overall in franchise history for passing yards

Williams will spend the offseason training with his private quarterback coach, Will Hewlett, and studying different route concepts, defenses, and protections to start next season stronger.

“This is going to be a big offseason for me, and I’m excited about it,” Williams said. “I have things that—maturity-wise—I’m excited about learning.”

“Things are going to take time, and I’m well aware of that and OK with that. But I’m definitely going to try and push myself to exhaustion mentally and physically to be able to withstand a long season, because this has been my longest season that I’ve ever played.”

Williams will certainly try to use the lessons from his rookie season to achieve those goals. A few days after having his USC jersey retired on November 30, Williams looked back at his first NFL season and put a positive spin on it.

“To be able to have all of this in my first year, I wouldn’t say I’m happy for it,” he said. “But having these moments is definitely something that will help me in the future.”

The post Inside Caleb Williams’ Rocky Rookie Year as Bears Quarterback in Chicago appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

One possible candidate for the job has already worked with the quarterback the Bears selected with the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft. Kliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, was a senior offensive analyst at USC in 2023 when Caleb Williams played his final year for the Trojans after transferring from Oklahoma.

“I know what type of guy he is,” Williams said on Wednesday. “I know he loves football. I know he wants to win. He’s a competitor. And so, in many different ways, I’ve been around him. So, I would say that being around him, knowing him, asking him questions and things like that, I think he fits a lot of the qualities I mentioned.”

When asked about the qualities he values in a coach, Williams explained:

“A coach that challenges myself, whether it’s an offensive coordinator or head coach, and also challenges us as players — whether it’s on the field or in terms of character, it doesn’t matter. Just a coach who challenges us,” Williams said.

“A man of his word. A disciplined coach, meaning whatever his rules are or how he’s going to control and manage the team, things like that.”

The Bears interviewed Kingsbury last year for their offensive coordinator role but decided to hire Shane Waldron instead. Waldron, however, lasted only nine games before being fired on November 12. Just a few weeks later, following a tough loss to Detroit on Thanksgiving, Chicago made history by firing head coach Matt Eberflus during the season.

Kingsbury, a former quarterback, has head coaching experience. He was the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach from 2019 to 2022, with a record of 28-37-1 and one winning season.

As Washington’s offensive coordinator, he is leading an offense that ranks among the league’s best with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Commanders are fourth in the NFL for yards per game and fifth in scoring.

Detroit’s offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, is also expected to be a top candidate in the upcoming coaching search. There are also reports that Pete Carroll, the former Seattle Seahawks coach, is interested in returning to coaching after a one-year break.

The Bears (4-12) have had a disappointing season, especially after coming in with playoff hopes. They started 4-2 but then lost 10 straight games, marking their second losing streak of 10 games in general manager Ryan Poles’ three seasons.

Last year, they ended the season on a 10-game losing streak, part of a franchise-record 14-game skid. The Bears have never lost more than 10 games in a row in a single season.

Team president Kevin Warren has stated that Poles will remain as the “point person” in the coaching search and will have the final say if there’s disagreement on the hiring decision.

Williams mentioned he’s open to giving his input if asked but also respects that management may make decisions without him.

“I know I’m a rookie and a young guy, so if they make decisions without me, that’s their job to make those decisions,” Williams said. “If they make a decision like that, I just hope and believe they make the right decision. If I’m a part of it, great.”

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Interim coach Thomas Brown rejected the idea of Williams not playing in Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field, saying it was never discussed by him or the team management. He also mentioned that other healthy starters will play as well.

“As far as Caleb goes, as far as dialog about him not playing, that’s never come up or been talked about at all,” Brown said Monday.

The Bears (4-12) have lost 10 straight games. Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, has been sacked a franchise-record 67 times, which is the most in the NFL. However, the Bears believe the benefits of having him play against the Packers are greater than the risks of injury.

“Obviously, part of the evolution of him being his best is to try to continue to find ways to help him continue to grow and be at his best week in and week out, part of it is going to be able to protect himself and also be better,” Brown said.

“There’s an opportunity that’s not guaranteed. And I take it very seriously because opportunities aren’t guaranteed. And one thing I hate more than anything is wasted time. When time is going, you don’t get it back. So I’m gonna maximize every moment I have. And so it’ll be the same process as far as this team for this game on Sunday.”

The Bears have never lost more than 10 games in a row in one season. They lost their final 10 games in 2022, when they were tanking, as part of a franchise-worst 14-game losing streak that included the first four games of last season.

Chicago started the season with hopes of making the playoffs but things fell apart after a 4-2 start.

The Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron after a loss to New England in Week 10. They also fired head coach Matt Eberflus for the first time in franchise history the day after a tough loss to Detroit on Thanksgiving, following a series of poor late-game decisions. Under Brown, the team has gone 0-4.

This is far from what the Bears expected after adding several big-name players in the offseason, including Williams. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner from Southern California has impressed at times with his ability to avoid defenders and make strong throws.

Williams has started every game, throwing for 3,393 yards—fifth on Chicago’s single-season list—with 19 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also set a rookie league record with 353 consecutive passes without an interception before being picked off by Seattle’s Riq Woolen late in a 6-3 loss on Thursday.

However, his habit of holding onto the ball too long has contributed to the hits he’s taken. The Bears’ previous record for sacks allowed was 66 in 2004, when they used four different quarterbacks.

Williams plays in a division where all the other teams have at least 11 wins and experienced quarterbacks.

“Caleb is super talented and he’s got all the tools that you need for a quarterback in this league,” tight end Cole Kmet said. “But that being said, you can’t replace experience, and all of those teams, they’ve got experienced guys and guys who have kind of been through it, so they definitely got a jump-start in that regard on him.

But I do think you see the biggest jumps in guys from Year 1 to Year 2, and I’m sure Caleb is gearing up for that as well.”

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“You talk to yourself,” Williams said Wednesday. “You motivate yourself, you encourage yourself. You have positive affirmations that you say to yourself. With that, it makes the days better, it makes when you’re going through a tough patch, it makes those days a little bit easier rather than pulling yourself down, telling yourself you’re this and that.”

The Bears (4-10) began the season with hopes of making a playoff push after a busy offseason. They drafted Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, hoping the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner would become their franchise quarterback and solve their long-standing quarterback issues.

They also added six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen and drafted Rome Odunze with the No. 9 pick, giving them a strong group of wide receivers alongside star DJ Moore.

But instead of moving up in the NFC North, they’ve fallen to the bottom of the division with eight straight losses. Williams has struggled, especially in recent games, and things won’t get easier with Detroit (12-2) coming to Soldier Field on Sunday.

Even though the Lions have dealt with injuries and are coming off a loss to Buffalo that ended an 11-game winning streak, they are still tied for the top spot in the NFC. They haven’t lost two games in a row in over two years.

Williams, on the other hand, looked worn out both physically and mentally in Chicago’s 30-12 loss to Minnesota on Monday night. He threw for only 191 yards, after passing for just 134 the week before against San Francisco. He was sacked twice, bringing his total to 58 sacks, a league-leading and franchise-record number.

Williams has seen the Bears fire offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and then let head coach Matt Eberflus go after Thanksgiving due to a string of bad late-game decisions. He already had as many losses in his rookie season as he had in an entire year at Oklahoma and two at Southern California.

Given all this, it’s easy to understand why he turns to positive affirmations. Still, it’s not all negative for Williams.

He has shown some good moments and has done well at protecting the ball. He has gone eight games and set an NFL rookie record with 286 passes without an interception—the longest streak by any Bears quarterback.

But in a city where former high draft picks Mitchell Trubisky and Justin Fields didn’t succeed, the punishment Williams is taking is raising more concerns. He rushed through his progressions and seemed off against Minnesota, just as he did the week before.

“Every player’s different, so I’m not sure exactly who you’re referring to in the past — you don’t have to tell me,” interim coach Thomas Brown said. “I do believe him when he says that he doesn’t see ghosts.”

One thing Williams does admit? He’s frustrated.

“Losing is one of those things that really affects me,” he said. “It’s tough. But I do have the understanding of where I’m at in my career and where I’ll be at. Having that understanding is important for me.”

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ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shed light on the early belief of the Bears’ preferences at this point.

“I have talked to some people in and around the program who believe they will eventually land on a Caleb Williams or a quarterback at No. 1, but it still has to be sorted out,” Fowler said on ESPN.

Fowler mentioned the Bears are in the early stages of their evaluations of all players, including the top quarterbacks. To Fowler, that includes “character studies, deep film work, etc.”

Ryan Poles expressed the same about the current stage of their offseason work during the team’s end-of-season press conference on Wednesday.

“We are in information-gathering mode right now,” Poles said of the Bears’ upcoming quarterback decision. “We are going to turn over every stone to make sure that we are going to make a sound decision for our organization. I did think Justin got better. I think he can lead this team. But at the same time, there’s a unique situation where I have to look, and our staff has to look at everything. And that’s exactly what we’re gonna do.”

Fowler also said most people around the league feel Williams is the top quarterback in the draft. For what it’s worth, he hasn’t yet declared for the NFL draft. Williams has until Jan. 15 to declare for the 2024 NFL draft or return to USC.

Fowler also mentioned that Justin Fields has truly given them a lot to think about. He’s made the decision much harder on the Bears. With that, Ryan Poles is faced with a tenure-defining decision that will alter the Bears franchise.

The Bears have the No. 1 pick for a second-straight season in their arsenal. For what it’s worth, they also own the No. 9 pick by their own 7-10 regular season record.

Last season, the Bears opted to roll with Fields, passing on the 2023 quarterback class that included Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, Will Levis, etc. The jury is still out on most of these signal-callers, but Stroud appears to be a hit.

Are the Bears confident in their ability to scout quarterbacks, seeing as one seemingly fell through the cracks?

“I’ll actually go back to last year, and I’ve got to stay open-minded about it,” Poles said. “Not to use the same quote, but I want to say I need to be blown away. It’s the same setup because seeing the things that Justin did this year, his ability to make plays, the coach talked about some of those improvements, keeping his eyes down the field, taking fewer sacks, you see a lot of growth there where he can continue to get better.

“So I’ll have the same mindset: someone needs to really show that they can … and it’s not just the film. I need the person. There’s a whole process here that we have to figure out. But what we’re going to do is do what’s best for the organization. I’m sure there’s going to be similar situations in terms of the trade back, and I’ve got to weigh all those things to see what’s going to help our team take the next step.”

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“Generational quarterback” is a stamp given to the USC quarterback by several pundits this season. But shaky games against Utah, Oregon, and Notre Dame this season had others scratching their heads about his potential.

One former NFL GM, in hypothetical re-drafting scenarios, would take him over several quarterbacks, including Peyton Manning.

“Peyton was a … back then, that was en vogue, the pocket passer. Caleb (is) the notch up just because of the athleticism,” former NFL GM Rick Spielman said.

The only quarterback Spielman wouldn’t draft over Williams, in his eyes, was Andrew Luck. Spielman says he would draft Williams over Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, and even Dan Marino.

The Bears have the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. They have an outright shot at drafting Williams. And a recent report suggests their early evaluations are trending that way, too.

“I have talked to some people in and around the program who believe they will eventually land on a Caleb Williams or a quarterback at No. 1, but it still has to be sorted out,” Jeremy Fowler said on ESPN.

Fowler also said most people around the league feel Williams is the top quarterback in the draft. Part of his report also suggested the Bears are still in the very early stages of their draft study.

For what it’s worth, Williams hasn’t yet declared for the NFL draft. He has until Jan. 15 to declare for the 2024 NFL draft or return to USC.

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However, Williams’ display of raw emotion ignited a passionate sports debate that persisted from Saturday night into Sunday morning. Robert Griffin III, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner and former Baylor quarterback, chimed in with his perspective.

He took to social media, expressing, “Watching Caleb Williams in tears with his family after the game will TUG AT YOUR HEARTSTRINGS. This young man pours his heart and soul into every game he plays. Any NFL team would be fortunate to have him as their quarterback, and this emotional moment reveals his deep passion for the game.”

Griffin continued, “When you invest your all into something, and it doesn’t go as planned, it stings. Caleb Williams has a promising future, and this display of emotion represents one of the most genuine moments of his career.”

However, not everyone shared Griffin’s viewpoint. Robert Mathis, a former five-time Pro Bowler and member of the Super Bowl-winning 2006 Indianapolis Colts, offered a different perspective in response to Griffin’s comments.

Mathis tweeted, “Sorry @RGIII (all love lil bro), but I have to classify this one as overly sensitive. He ran into the stands and cried with his mom. I always tell players, ‘I’ll never lie to them,’ and this isn’t the image you want from your quarterback.”

Griffin defended his stance, stating, “You know I have immense respect for you, OG, but I disagree. I’m familiar with this young man’s journey and the mission he embarked on with his teammates this season. Displaying emotions doesn’t equate to weakness, and these young men are human. It may not align with your expectations, but it’s authentic and genuine.”

Mathis acknowledged Griffin’s perspective but left the discussion there.

It remains unclear why Williams shedding tears with his family after a tough loss was perceived as a sign of weakness for a potential top NFL draft pick. When asked about his feelings following the disappointing outcome despite his outstanding performance, Williams simply stated, “I want to go home, cuddle with my dog, and watch some shows. We lost the game. I’ve put in months and years of hard work to have big games like this, striving to win and perform at our best, each and every one of us. Today, we walked away with a loss, so emotionally, I just want to go home and spend time with my dog.”

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