Caleb Williams has shown progress during Chicago Bears practices, particularly when extending plays within the offense. However, the Bears quarterback has yet to demonstrate consistent success connecting on deep passes, which remains a visible weakness in his game. This issue is particularly notable given the calls for the team to maximize his longball potential.
While social media highlights occasionally show long completions, these mostly occur during isolated receiver-versus-defender drills, which don’t fully replicate game conditions or the timing required within the Bears’ offensive scheme. At times, Williams performs better in 7-on-7 drills, but those exercises lack the pressure of an opposing pass rush, which is critical in real-game scenarios.
Coaching Staff Sees No Immediate Alarm, Focuses on Incremental Improvement
This performance gap contradicts what Williams displayed during his college career, but Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle remains calm about the situation. Doyle emphasizes a patient, step-by-step approach rather than expecting a sudden breakthrough.
“I think a lot of times, it’s a couple things,”
Doyle commented.
“It’s the quarterback’s timing, it’s being able to get the ball up and down quicker so the DB can’t recognize what’s going on and kinda see that.”
He also highlighted that responsibility lies not only with Williams but also with the receivers. To complete deep passes effectively, receivers must carve out clear separation and help the quarterback identify open targets early.
Doyle added,
“The other thing is, our receivers doing a good job of holding space, allowing the quarterback the real estate to be able to complete that ball using their body to try to stack the defender. You’re always trying to put your body between the defender’s hips and the ball.”
These technical details are being fleshed out more in team practices as the receivers become increasingly aware of what Williams requires to execute high-level throws downfield.
Signs of Development in Practice, but Progress Will Be Gradual
Williams’ ability to connect on deep passes has occasionally surfaced during practice, such as a notable throw to Colston Loveland for a seam touchdown in 7-on-7 drills. Still, Doyle cautions against expecting a quick fix from Williams’ deep passing woes.
“The next step? I don’t think there’s one big giant step,”
Doyle explained.
“I think it’s every single day completing the process. The little details. Mastering our offense. Mastering what we’re going to ask of him.”
Doyle pointed to moments during recent sessions, including a red zone third-down scenario where Williams efficiently made a defensive check and delivered a clutch pass to Rome, securing a first down. These glimpses demonstrate his processing ability and gradual adaptation to the pro-level complexities of the Bears’ offense.
Bears’ Offensive Installation and Upcoming Adjustments
The Bears remain in the midst of installing their offense, currently completing their ninth installation out of a planned twelve. Following the completion of two home preseason games against Miami and Buffalo, coaches intend to take stock and possibly modify their offensive strategy moving forward.
Doyle explained,
“And so three more and then we kind of take a step back, we re-evaluate everything—‘OK, hey, here are things we need to add to that and here are things maybe we don’t see ourselves doing.’ The timeline would be, by the end of next week we’re through 12 installs. We kinda get through joint practices and figure out, ‘OK, this is where we want to head.’”
This reflection period is critical as the Bears hope to resolve the longball challenges that have held Williams back and to refine the offense into a cohesive unit capable of capitalizing on his full skill set.
Statistical Context Highlights Depth of Long-Range Passing Issue
Part of the anxiety surrounding Williams’ deep ball comes from comparative statistics, which show his catchable deep pass percentage lags considerably behind other recent first overall NFL draft picks. According to data from analyst Steven Patton, Williams’ catchable deep pass rate stands at just 26 percent, significantly lower than peers such as Trevor Lawrence (56%) and Matthew Stafford (50%).
Catchable % on deep pass attempts for former first overall picks:Trevor Lawrence: 56%Matthew Stafford: 50%Joe Burrow: 48%Bryce Young: 47%Jared Goff: 41%Jameis Winston: 40%Kyler Murray: 40%Baker Mayfield: 39%Caleb Williams: 26% pic.twitter.com/4RjDoon0YQ
—Steven Patton, Analyst
This stark gap underscores the urgent need for Williams and the Bears’ coaching staff to work through the timing, receiver spacing, and decision-making required to elevate his deep passing game to the expected professional level.
Team Perspective Reflects Williams’ Drive Amid Challenges
Veteran Bears quarterback Case Keenum has observed Williams’ commitment and hunger to improve despite the setbacks, an encouraging signal amidst the difficulties.
#Bears QB Case Keenum said Caleb Williams has been grinding and “wants it.” His reaction to not completing this drill as he would have liked in today’s practice seems to illustrate that very point. #DaBears pic.twitter.com/ewcY1QjEta
—Josh Buckhalter, Reporter
Keenum’s comments illustrate the mental toughness Williams maintains as he navigates the complex transition to the NFL level, an essential factor in overcoming the longball obstacles.
Looking Ahead: Patience Required for Unlocking Williams’ Potential
The progression of Caleb Williams’ deep passing ability with the Chicago Bears is a process marked by technical refinement and incremental gains. While the coaching staff remains confident that improvements will come, this transformation is not expected to yield a sudden dramatic change but rather steady advancement over time. The period following the upcoming preseason will be pivotal, as the offense gets fully installed and strategies adjust based on performance and evaluation.
Ultimately, addressing Caleb Williams Bears longball issues is central to unlocking his potential as a franchise quarterback, and the Bears are investing in the daily details that will pave the way for future success in the passing game.