The Chicago Bears selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 National Football League draft. Bears fans were hoping he would be quick, and he was. CJ Stroud did it last seasonSo far, things have not gone as planned.
Williams has had great difficulties In two games, he has completed just 56 percent of his passes. He has not thrown a single touchdown pass, has thrown two interceptions and has already been sacked nine times.
On Wednesday, his college coach and mentor, Lincoln Riley, gave him some advice. ““The Herd” with Colin Cowherd.
“I think you have to go back to the basics,” Riley said. “And I think a lot of times the answers that you’re looking for as a player are there. And sometimes when you’re put in competitive situations, especially in a new league, a new offense, new coaches around you, new players, there’s going to be things that evolve, right?”
The Bears are 1-1 and just one game behind the Minnesota Vikings Surprise for first place in the NFC North. But it’s in no way thanks to Chicago’s offense.
The Bears are averaging just 176.5 yards per game on offense. Only the Carolina Panthers are worse. But their 99 passing yards per game actually ranks last in the league.
Williams was expected to be Chicago’s savior. After all, the franchise has never had an elite quarterback. The Bears have had a Pro Bowl quarterback only three times since 1951: Billy Wade (1963), Jim McMahon (1985) and Mitchell Trubisky (2018).
But this season is still young, and there’s still plenty of time to grow, as Riley hinted.
“He’s going to continue to learn and grow. And while some of these tough times have been painful, they’re opportunities to learn and grow. He’s going to become the player we all know he can be in this league.”
Bears fans are no doubt hoping and praying that Riley’s assessments prove true.
Williams’ next chance to improve will come Sunday in Indianapolis against a struggling Colts defense.
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