The Chicago Bears are starting fresh under new head coach Ben Johnson, focusing on building their team around quarterback Caleb Williams. Entering his NFL second year, Williams faces mounting pressure to improve, with comparisons now being made to NFC North rival Jordan Love. This development highlights the high expectations placed on Williams as the Bears aim to end years of quarterback uncertainty.
Caleb Williams’ Early NFL Challenges and Potential
Williams remains one of the NFL’s most intriguing young quarterbacks as he prepares for his sophomore season. Despite being the No. 1 overall pick with sky-high hopes, his rookie year fell short of expectations. He showed moments of impressive arm strength and playmaking ability but was inconsistent, especially in accuracy and handling pressure from opposing defenses.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Williams struggled significantly in his first year:
“Williams entered the NFL with a tremendous amount of hype, only to disappoint as a rookie… He flashed big-play potential and incredible arm talent, but he struggled with accuracy and took on pressure and sacks far too often.”
—Pro Football Focus
“His 63.5 PFF passing grade was the worst of the five first-round quarterbacks… His 54.7% accurate rate, 23.2% uncatchable-pass rate, and 26.1% pressure-to-sack rate echoed the same red flags from USC.”
—Pro Football Focus
Despite these setbacks, PFF points to the possibility of significant growth, highlighting examples like Jared Goff and Bryce Young, who both improved after difficult rookie seasons. Williams benefits from a strong supporting group and an offense redesigned by Johnson, giving him the necessary tools to develop.
Comparing Williams to NFC North Rival Jordan Love
PFF recently put forth an analysis projecting Caleb Williams’ potential second-year performance as similar to that of Jordan Love, the Green Bay Packers quarterback. Love’s 2024 season showcased his ability to pass for 3,389 yards with 25 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions, setting a benchmark for Williams to aim for.
If Williams can approach Love’s production and demonstrate greater control and decision-making on the field, the Bears could see a significant turnaround. It would represent more than just statistics—a sign that Williams can command the offense and justify being the franchise’s long-term solution at quarterback.
Pressure Mounts as Bears Shift Offensive Strategy
With Ben Johnson in charge and changes to the offensive scheme, Caleb Williams’ sophomore campaign is critical. Chicago fans, tired of previous quarterback instability, expect rapid progress. The revamped offense provides a promising environment, but Williams must rise to meet the challenge.
The NFC North is highly competitive with no leniency for struggling teams or players, and the Bears will need strong leadership from their young quarterback. This season could define Williams’ trajectory, either confirming his place as the team’s cornerstone or prolonging the search for reliability under center.