Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will not participate in the upcoming preseason game against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, along with many of the team‘s starters. Despite limited game time early in the season, anticipation surrounding Caleb Williams Chicago Bears quarterback remains strong as fans and analysts alike watch his growth closely.
Insights on Williams’ Potential from Teammates and Experts
One of the most outspoken supporters of Williams is Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze, who was drafted in the same rookie class and brings college-level experience against top quarterbacks. Odunze shared his views through ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who highlighted Williams’ raw talent and the detailed coaching he’s receiving from offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Rome Odunze told me Caleb Williams can literally be the best quarterback in the NFL. He’s far away from that right now. . . . Ben Johnson has been relentless on him with the details,
said Fowler.
They’re just trying to get him to do the basics right now, and then they’ll work on the off-scripted plays, the mobility, all of his strengths. That will come. Now, ‘Chicago Bears elite quarterback play’ is an oxymoron. It’s always been that way, but as far as the ability, they see it. The players recognize it,
Fowler continued.
Odunze’s college football experience with Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons, informs his perspective on Williams and what first-round NFL quarterbacks face during their rookie campaigns. Williams, also a first-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft and a Heisman Trophy winner at USC under coach Lincoln Riley, is seen as having significant upside, though still refining his professional game.
Veteran Voices Predict Williams’ Rise Within the NFC North
Beyond teammates, sports analysts have placed Williams atop future rankings within the NFC North division. Fox Sports commentator Nick Wright forecasts Williams overtaking established quarterbacks like Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff and the Green Bay Packers’ Jordan Love during the season. Wright underscores the importance of the Bears’ recent hiring of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who previously held the same role with the Lions, in accelerating Williams’ development.
By the end of this season, Caleb Williams will be, by many, considered the best quarterback in his division. I think Jared Goff is going to suffer a bit from the lack of Ben Johnson,
said Wright.
As much as you don’t like Ben Johnson the head coach, you loved Ben Johnson the coordinator, and the early reports out of that training camp are that that transition’s been a little rocky.
These observations note the adjustment period Williams is undergoing as he adapts to the NFL’s pace and complexities under new leadership, signaling a recalibration phase before his skills fully manifest in game situations.
Challenges and Prospects as the Bears Aim to Compete in NFC North
Despite individual optimism, the Chicago Bears as a team face long odds to win the NFC North division. Currently, betting odds place the Bears behind the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions, with Chicago holding the longest odds at +550. The team’s overall performance, combined with Williams’ progression as a quarterback, will be critical factors shaping the Bears’ trajectory this season.
Williams’ transition from college star at USC under Lincoln Riley—who also coached NFL standouts like Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray—to NFL leader remains a major storyline. His capacity to match or exceed the success of those predecessors could redefine the Bears’ quarterback legacy and influence the NFC North’s balance of power in the coming years.