Colin Cowherd sharply criticized Caleb Williams after a difficult start to the Chicago Bears training camp, describing the team‘s offense as a “disaster” on Wednesday. The former Heisman Trophy winner struggled in practice, leading to doubt about his readiness for the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL.
During his show, Cowherd recounted,
“At one point, Ben Johnson barking at him. He pulled the first team off the field,”
highlighting the intensity of the session and the visible frustration with Williams’ performance.
Issues with Accuracy and Leadership Persist for Rookie QB
Despite earlier praise for his accuracy and instincts at USC, Williams has encountered familiar problems during camp. Cowherd pointed out challenges including inconsistent deep passes, poor footwork, and difficulty managing the huddle, saying,
“Some of his OTA issues resurfaced. Not getting the play right, looking disorganized.”
These ongoing struggles have amplified concerns as the Bears look to Williams to lead their offense.
The mounting pressure comes quickly, as expectations from both fans and the Bears organization remain very high for Williams, who now must prove himself capable of adapting and improving in a highly competitive environment.
Ben Johnson Sets Ambitious Completion Goals for Williams
Head coach Ben Johnson has established high standards for the second-year quarterback, urging him and the offense to complete at least 70% of their passes during practices. Johnson explained to reporters,
“So, you would like to think that over the course of practice that we’re completing 70% or more, or that’s hard to just magically arise in a game. It’s a lofty goal, but it’s one we’re going to strive for.”
This target represents a significant improvement over Williams’ rookie season, in which he completed just 62.5% of his throws, ranking near the bottom among qualified NFL quarterbacks.
Williams Eyes Historic Passing Milestone Despite Challenges
Caleb Williams remains undeterred by the pressure and the coach’s lofty expectations, expressing his ambition to become the first Bears quarterback to surpass 4,000 passing yards in a single season. He shared,
“That’s a goal of mine. 70% completion, that helps the team, keeps (the offense) on the field, puts us in better positions.”
Only a select few quarterbacks managed to meet these standards last year, including Jared Goff, Joe Burrow, Baker Mayfield, and Geno Smith, highlighting the challenge Williams faces in reaching that level of performance.
Rising Stakes for Williams as Bears’ Season Approaches
The early struggles in Bears training camp have placed Caleb Williams under intense scrutiny from analysts like Colin Cowherd and the Bears’ coaching staff alike. While he has undeniable talent, the rookie quarterback must address his on-field mistakes and regain confidence to meet the high expectations set for him. How he responds in the coming weeks will likely shape not only his future with the Bears but also how the team performs this season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Caleb Williams?
A. On January 3, 2022, Williams decided to enter the transfer portal. By February 1, he shared that he had moved to the University of Southern California to join the Trojans. This move allowed him to team up again with head coach Lincoln Riley, who was previously the head coach for the Sooners before joining the Trojans.
Q. Why did Caleb Williams cry after the game?
A. “I was sitting there feeling beaten and defeated,” Williams remembered. “Then I stood up, reached for my mom, and just broke down.” For him, crying wasn’t a sign of being weak. Instead, it showed how much he truly cared about the game.
Q. How many times did the Texans sack Caleb Williams?
A. During Sunday night’s game at NRG Stadium, the Texans’ defense kept putting pressure on Caleb Williams. They beat the Bears 19-13, sacking the rookie quarterback seven times and hitting him 11 times overall.