When the Chicago Bears selected Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, expectations couldn’t have been higher. The USC product was universally regarded as the best quarterback prospect since Trevor Lawrence and had the kind of arm strength, poise, and playmaking ability that could immediately transform a franchise. In a city with a long and storied history of quarterback struggles, the arrival of Williams was supposed to be the dawn of a new era for the Bears.
As the 2024 NFL season reaches its midpoint, it’s clear that Williams’ rookie campaign has been far from a smooth ride. His journey so far has been a roller coaster—at times exhilarating and full of promise, but at other times frustrating and riddled with growing pains. Despite flashes of brilliance, Williams’ play has been inconsistent, and the Bears have struggled to find a rhythm on offense. With the season still ongoing, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate his performance thus far.
### The Highs: Promise and Potential
While the roller coaster analogy is apt, it’s important to first focus on the moments that have made Bears fans optimistic about their future with Williams under center. When the rookie has been on point, he has shown why he was so highly touted coming out of USC.
**1. Arm Strength and Deep Ball Accuracy**
One of the biggest strengths of Caleb Williams’ game has always been his arm talent, and that has certainly translated to the NFL. His deep ball accuracy has been one of the most encouraging aspects of his rookie season. Williams is capable of making every throw, and he’s already demonstrated an ability to stretch the field with precision passes to wide receivers like Darnell Mooney and DJ Moore. His 50-yard touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos in Week 5 is a perfect example of his arm strength and ability to read the defense, threading a needle between two defenders with a perfectly timed throw.
Moreover, Williams’ ability to layer throws into tight windows has been a highlight. Whether it’s deep routes down the sideline or throwing over linebackers to his tight ends, Williams’ skill set allows him to make throws that few other quarterbacks can. This ability to attack the full depth of the field is something that the Bears haven’t had in a long time and could pay huge dividends for their offense in the future.
**2. Mobility and Playmaking**
Williams’ mobility has also been a key factor in his success. He has shown the ability to extend plays outside of the pocket and use his legs to pick up crucial first downs. While not as prolific as some of the more mobile quarterbacks in the league, Williams’ ability to evade pressure and keep his eyes downfield has been impressive. His scrambles have provided the Bears’ offense with an added dimension, keeping drives alive and frustrating defenses.
In Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, Williams evaded a sack attempt, spun out of a collapsing pocket, and threw a dart to Mooney for a 35-yard gain. It was plays like these that displayed the raw potential of Williams as a dynamic quarterback who could change the landscape of the game not just with his arm, but with his legs.
**3. Poise Under Pressure**
Despite his rookie status, Williams has shown surprising composure in the face of adversity. Even when the Bears have found themselves down early or facing long odds, Williams has remained calm and focused. In Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he engineered a late-game comeback, leading the Bears on a 75-yard drive capped off with a clutch touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet. While the Bears ultimately fell short, Williams’ ability to stay poised under pressure speaks to his mental fortitude—a trait that will serve him well as his career progresses.
### The Lows: Inconsistency and Growing Pains
Of course, for all of the promise Williams has shown, there have also been significant struggles that cannot be overlooked. Inconsistency has been the major theme of his rookie campaign, and the lack of consistency has often led to missed opportunities for the Bears’ offense.
**1. Decision-Making and Turnovers**
While Williams has the talent to make every throw, his decision-making has at times been questionable. The rookie has struggled with throwing interceptions at inopportune moments, leading to drives stalling or turning into points for the opposition. His three-interception game against the Detroit Lions in Week 6 was a microcosm of his decision-making woes, as he threw into tight coverage and forced passes that weren’t there.
While some of these turnovers are simply part of the growing pains rookie quarterbacks experience, they are particularly concerning because they have led to turnovers at critical junctures of games. Williams must do a better job of recognizing when to take what the defense gives him and avoid forcing throws into dangerous territory. His tendency to take unnecessary risks in the passing game has undermined some of the progress he’s made.
**2. Offensive Line Struggles**
No quarterback, let alone a rookie, can succeed without solid protection from his offensive line. Unfortunately for Williams, he’s been subjected to inconsistent play from his offensive line, which has been one of the biggest challenges for the Bears’ offense this season. Williams has been sacked 17 times through the first six games, often facing immediate pressure after the snap. This has caused him to rush some of his decisions and has forced him into a more reactionary mindset rather than allowing the offense to flow naturally.
Despite his mobility, even Williams can’t escape pressure on every play, and the Bears’ offensive line must do a better job of protecting him in order for him to realize his full potential. Too often, Williams is forced to make plays on the run, leading to inaccurate throws and poor decisions.
**3. Lack of Support From the Running Game**
Another factor that has hindered Williams’ development is the lack of a consistent running game. While Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson have shown flashes of promise, neither has been able to consistently generate big plays or take pressure off Williams in the way that many elite quarterbacks benefit from. This has put more of the offensive load on Williams’ shoulders, forcing him to be a one-man show at times.
In games where the running game has struggled, defenses have been able to key in on Williams and rush him more aggressively, making it harder for him to establish any rhythm. For a rookie quarterback, this is a challenging dynamic, and it’s clear that the Bears must improve their offensive balance to help Williams thrive.
### Grading Caleb Williams’ Rookie Season
So, how does Caleb Williams grade out in his first season with the Bears?
**Arm Talent and Physical Tools: A**
There’s no question that Williams’ arm is elite. His ability to make every throw on the field, combined with his mobility and playmaking instincts, gives him the tools to be a top-tier quarterback. His deep ball accuracy, in particular, has been a major bright spot.
**Decision-Making and Consistency: C+**
This is where Williams has the most room for improvement. His decision-making has been inconsistent, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. While these are expected growing pains for a rookie, they remain a significant part of his overall development. His ability to read defenses and make better choices will be crucial for his progression.
**Poise and Leadership: B+**
Williams has shown good poise under pressure and has kept his cool in several late-game situations. He’s demonstrated leadership qualities, especially with the Bears struggling as a team. His ability to rally the troops, even in the face of adversity, bodes well for his future.
**Overall Grade: B**
Caleb Williams’ rookie season has been a mixture of highs and lows, but there is no question that he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback for the Bears. His arm strength and playmaking ability have already set him apart as one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the NFL. However, his inconsistency, especially with decision-making and turnovers, has been a significant obstacle. If the Bears can provide him with better protection, more support from the running game, and coaching that can help him refine his decision-making, Williams could very well become the player Chicago has long hoped for. For now, his roller-coaster rookie season shows both flashes of brilliance and moments of struggle, but the upside remains undeniable.
