The Chicago Bears’ second-year quarterback Caleb Williams has faced a difficult start to the 2025 training camp, igniting concerns about his development as the franchise‘s leader. After a disappointing rookie season that saw the Bears finish near the bottom of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC North, Williams’ rough training camp start has added to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s offense.
Since camp began, the Bears have focused on rebuilding around Williams, hiring highly regarded head coach Ben Johnson and investing in the offensive line to better protect their young quarterback. Despite these efforts, Williams has struggled to find consistency during practices, raising early doubts among fans and analysts about whether he can meet the team’s high expectations.
Practice Errors Raise Red Flags for Williams
During Wednesday’s 11-on-11 session, frustration was evident when Williams threw an interception on his first snap. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds seized the opportunity, forcing head coach Ben Johnson to immediately pull the starters and send in the backups as a message about accountability and focus. The coach has demonstrated a determination to push Williams and the offense to elite performance levels, aiming for a Super Bowl appearance.
Just one day later, Williams threw two interceptions in quick succession during 7-on-7 drills. The first interception occurred on a crucial red zone throw aimed at wide receiver DJ Moore. Though the pass was low and bounced off Moore’s hands, it deflected into the hands of safety Jaquan Brisker, who returned it for a defensive score. On the very next play, Williams failed to deliver sufficient height on a throw to the end zone, allowing linebacker TJ Edwards to make an acrobatic interception.
Besides these costly mistakes, Williams encountered difficulties maintaining accuracy during the drills, reportedly missing eight consecutive throws at one point. These errors have amplified the pressure on the second-year quarterback to demonstrate tangible improvement before the regular season begins.
Media and Analyst Reactions to Williams’ Camp Performance
Prominent sports commentator Colin Cowherd has been outspoken about the early warning signs from Williams’ performances, particularly regarding his handling of high-pressure situations in the red zone. Once a vocal supporter who proclaimed Williams a “generational talent” following his Heisman Trophy victory and first overall draft selection, Cowherd’s confidence has notably waned.
Caleb Williams was sold as a generational talent. We were all hoping it would be this generation. How long do you want us to wait?
—Colin Cowherd, Sports Commentator
Cowherd emphasized the accelerated expectations on quarterbacks in today’s NFL, drawing comparisons to “streaming shows” where audiences demand immediate engagement. He pointed out that unlike quarterbacks of the past, such as Eli Manning, who were granted several seasons to mature, Williams needs to showcase significant progress by early October to secure his position as a franchise cornerstone.
Quarterbacks in 2025 are like streaming shows. If you’re not getting me by the second episode early, I’m out. You used to give Eli Manning three years — those days are over. Caleb Williams has to be good by late September or early October.
—Colin Cowherd, Sports Commentator
Ben Johnson’s Expectations and the Pressure to Perform
Head coach Ben Johnson has publicly expressed confidence in Williams’ ability to meet high standards, setting a target for him to complete at least 70% of his passes this season. This is a significant increase from Williams’ rookie completion rate, which hovered in the low 60s. Achieving this level of accuracy would greatly enhance the Bears’ offensive rhythm and scoring opportunities.
Williams himself has set ambitious goals, aiming to be the first Bears quarterback to throw for more than 4,000 yards in a season while maintaining a completion percentage above 70%. These aspirations reflect both personal drive and the organization’s desire to elevate its quarterback play as it rebuilds toward playoff contention.
Upcoming Season Opener Adds Urgency to Williams’ Development
The Chicago Bears will open their 2025 NFL campaign at home against the Minnesota Vikings on September 8. With less than two months until the season starts, every practice carries significant weight for Williams and the Bears as they seek to overcome last year’s struggles.
If Williams is to fulfill his potential as the cornerstone quarterback of the franchise, he must translate his raw talent into consistent, mistake-free play in the coming weeks. Failure to do so could deepen the uncertainty surrounding the Bears’ offense and raise questions about the team’s long-term direction.
Meanwhile, the Bears’ commitment to improving both coaching and personnel shows that the organization is determined to provide Williams the tools necessary to succeed. How he responds under this pressure will be critical for Chicago’s hopes both this season and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Caleb Williams number 13?
A. He was one of six quarterbacks selected in the first round, matching the record set in 1983 for the most in NFL history. In college, he wore number 13, but Keenan Allen already had it in the NFL. So, he chose his high school number, 18. This decision was announced less than 30 minutes after he was drafted.