A year after entering the NFL with high expectations but facing criticism, Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears have earned renewed respect. Former NFL pass rusher and current analyst Chris Long has shifted his outlook, now seeing Williams and the Bears in a much more positive light as the new season approaches.
Early Challenges Mark Williams’ Rookie Season
Caleb Williams’ debut year in the NFL was marked by difficulties as the Bears struggled to find consistency. During this time, numerous critics questioned Williams’ readiness and the team’s prospects, including Chris Long. Long highlighted the obstacles confronting the young quarterback and the Bears’ rebuilding efforts, painting a daunting picture of their near-term future.
Revamped Optimism from Long About the Bears’ Prospects
Recently, Long discussed his revised viewpoint in an interview with ESPN’s Mina Kimes, expressing optimism about the Bears’ progress. He now places Chicago above the San Francisco 49ers in his NFL team rankings, a surprising update given the Bears’ heavy defeat by the 49ers last season. This adjustment signals Long’s growing confidence in Williams’ development and Chicago’s overall strength.
Bears Edge Out 49ers in Updated NFL Team Rankings
In Long’s latest rankings, the Bears sit at 16th overall, just ahead of the 49ers at 17th. This ranking is notable considering the 49ers dominated the Bears 38-13 last year, demonstrating how perceptions around both teams are evolving. Long’s decision reflects a wider reassessment of the Bears as contenders ready to improve significantly.
What the Future Holds for Williams and the Chicago Bears
Although Chris Long stops short of declaring the Bears playoff-bound, his acknowledgment of their upward trajectory suggests meaningful growth. Long believes that Williams is prepared to take on a larger role entering his second season, indicating the quarterback’s potential to lead the team more effectively. With the NFL landscape changing quickly, the Bears and Williams appear poised to capitalize on this momentum.
This new confidence surrounding the Bears marks an important turning point, suggesting that what was once a rebuilding year could lay the foundation for a promising future. Observers will be watching closely as Williams continues to mature and Chicago aims to climb further in the rankings.
“Fast forward to the present, and Long’s perspective has shifted dramatically.” —Mina Kimes, ESPN
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Caleb Williams autosexual?
A. Caleb Williams has identified as “autosexual.” This means he primarily feels sexual attraction and desire directed at himself.
Q. What happened to Caleb Williams?
A. Williams joined the transfer portal on January 3, 2022. On February 1, he revealed his move to play for the Trojans at the University of Southern California. This decision reunited him with Lincoln Riley, his previous head coach with the Sooners, who had switched to the Trojans earlier.
Q. Why does Caleb Williams wear #18?
A. Caleb Williams talked about wearing the number 18 jersey: “I wore it in high school and won a championship with it. But there’s a veteran named Keenan Allen, who’s been here 13 years and is a Hall of Famer. So, there wasn’t much to discuss.” Caleb then asked about the number and simply decided, “OK, cool, I’ll choose another number.”
Q. Why did Caleb Williams cry?
A. Following a tough season and a recent loss, Caleb Williams went to the front row of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. He hugged his mom and started crying. Even though he scored four touchdowns as USC’s quarterback, it wasn’t sufficient to secure a win.