The 2024 NFL rookie class was anticipated to be exceptionally talented, particularly at the quarterback position, with Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears leading the charge as the highly-regarded No. 1 overall pick from the University of Southern California.
Despite high expectations and the belief that Williams would quickly demonstrate his generational talent, both he and other rookie quarterbacks are under scrutiny after the first two weeks of the NFL season. Many are questioning whether they truly merit the pre-season hype.
Caleb Williams is 'a little bruised up' after taking 7 sacks Sunday vs. the Texans.
"He's not going to survive through the season if he keeps getting hit like that. The Bears have to be able to run the ball to take pressure off the quarterback." @CourtneyRCronin pic.twitter.com/CY87DfkdD9
— Around the Horn (@AroundtheHorn) September 17, 2024
A Difficult Start for Caleb Williams
Currently, the Bears hold a 1-1 record, but this early success has come despite some challenges for Williams. Known for his elite playmaking skills and ability to improvise under pressure, Williams has struggled to meet these expectations. He has completed only 56.1% of his passes, thrown no touchdowns, and has been intercepted twice. Additionally, he has been sacked nine times, the most of any quarterback in the league so far.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin voiced concerns on “Around the Horn,” suggesting that Williams may not last the season if his offensive line doesn’t improve. She emphasized the need for the Bears to enhance their running game to ease the pressure on Williams.
Offensive Line Challenges
Rookie quarterbacks face a tough enough challenge navigating NFL defenses, but doing so behind a weak offensive line makes it even harder. While Williams is known for his ability to create plays under duress, even the best quarterbacks need solid protection to perform effectively. The Bears’ offensive line has struggled, leaving Williams under constant pressure.
This lack of protection has disrupted the Bears’ offensive flow. Despite having skilled players, the offense has been ineffective as Williams has had difficulty distributing the ball. This has led to a disjointed offensive performance and raised questions about the team’s ability to improve.
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗯 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝘃𝘀. 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻:
76% Passes Completed
141 Passing Yards
0 INT𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗯 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘃𝘀. 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻:
33% Passes Completed
33 Passing Yards
2 INT(Per @PFF) pic.twitter.com/ie6I9tajRu
— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) September 18, 2024
Glimpses of Potential
Not all is bleak for Williams and the Bears. In their Week 2 game against the Houston Texans, when given time to throw, Williams displayed why he was such a sought-after prospect. During those moments with adequate protection, he demonstrated poise and the ability to make accurate throws downfield.
The crucial question remains: Can the Bears address their offensive line issues swiftly enough to allow Williams to thrive? Upgrading the offensive line mid-season is challenging, and finding a suitable trade could be difficult. The team needs to evaluate whether they can resolve their protection problems before the season further deteriorates.
Looking Ahead
Caleb Williams possesses the raw talent to become a top quarterback, but his rocky start underscores the importance of a stable environment for success. If the Bears can improve their protection and provide him with more time in the pocket, Williams has the potential to meet the high expectations set for him. However, both Williams and the Bears face a challenging path as they work through the growing pains of his rookie season.
