NFL analyst Colin Cowherd has changed his perspective on Caleb Williams‘ NFL future after the quarterback’s recent performance against the Buffalo Bills. Williams played two series in the first half, delivering six completions on ten attempts for 107 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown pass to Olamide Zaccheus that gave the Chicago Bears an early lead.
Initially, when the Bears selected Williams with the first overall pick last year, Cowherd believed the quarterback was poised to become a generational talent in the league. However, Williams faced criticism during the 2024 season as the Bears finished with a 5-12 record under his leadership and former head coach Matt Eberflus. This underwhelming outcome, followed by a coaching change bringing Ben Johnson in January, led Cowherd to question Williams’ trajectory just weeks ago.
Colin Cowherd’s Earlier Doubts About Williams’ Development
Three weeks before Williams’ standout game, Cowherd voiced his concerns about the quarterback’s future in Chicago. After watching Williams’ training-camp struggles, Cowherd mocked the label of generational talent that had been placed on him. He suggested that early warning signs during training camp were difficult to ignore.
“Three days in a row, it’s gotten a little bumpy for Caleb Williams,” Cowherd said.
“I hear people say this, you can’t take a lot from camp. Eh, you can see red flags. … Disastrous first dates rarely become great 30-year marriages. … So Caleb Williams was sold as a generational talent. We were all hoping it would be this generation. Like how long do you want us to last and wait?” —Colin Cowherd, NFL Analyst
Former NFL Player Commends Williams’ Dominating Performance Against Buffalo
Caleb Williams and the Bears achieved a commanding 38-0 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, marking the first victory for head coach Ben Johnson after a previous tie against the Miami Dolphins. Williams’ performance caught the attention of former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, who praised the young quarterback’s impact on the field and the team’s early momentum.
“Got damn the Bears look good, Caleb Williams set the tone & the momentum has carried through the whole first hald with the 2’s & 3’s,” Johnson tweeted.
This praise highlights the turning point in Williams’ NFL journey, as he appears to be gaining confidence and demonstrating the skills expected from a top draft pick. The Bears will face the Kansas City Chiefs in their final preseason game next week, as they aim to build on recent successes and contend for a playoff spot this upcoming season.
What This Means for Caleb Williams and the Bears Moving Forward
Cowherd’s shift in opinion underscores the importance of Williams’ recent displays on the field as a potential indicator of his NFL future. After question marks clouded his early time with the Bears, strong performances like Sunday’s can restore faith in his abilities. As the Bears prepare for their final preseason matchup, the development of Williams will remain a key focus for the organization and fans alike, with hopes that his play could lead the team into a successful postseason run.