The Chicago Bears’ eagerly awaited debut season for Caleb Williams was filled with both highs and lows. The former USC star, selected first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, came into the league with enormous expectations.
However, his rookie season highlighted important areas for improvement, most notably his tendency to hold the ball too long under pressure, despite his core skill earning him a Heisman Award.
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams Must Break One Costly Habit To Succeed in the NFL
Williams finished the 2024 season with 20 touchdowns, 3,541 passing yards, and just six interceptions. For a first-year quarterback, such numbers seem reasonable on paper. However, the surface stats only provide a portion of the picture. His overall QBR of 46.7 showed deeper difficulties, as does his notably league-high sack count.
A big part of that came down to the lone habit, which former NFL scout John Middlekauff discussed on his podcast, “3 & Out.”
“You need to learn from these guys,” Middlekauff said. “Just get rid of the ball. Not everyone is Steph Curry shooting fadeaway threes. You can’t always run around and try to throw deep pumps. This is the NFL; it’s a space game.”
It’s a candid assessment intended to mentor a young athlete with exceptional potential rather than to discredit him. Williams flourished at USC by executing highlight-reel, off-script plays. However, the NFL is not college.
Defenders move more quickly. The coverages are more complex. The windows are more tightly fitted. It simply doesn’t work the same way to hold onto the ball and hope something opens up.
Despite Turbulent Rookie Season, Williams Faces Crucial Growth Moment in Year Two
Williams wasn’t working under the best circumstances. Communication and protection were issues for the Bears’ offensive line throughout the season. In an attempt to make something, anything, happen, Williams would frequently run for his life. Finding consistency and rhythm was also a challenge, thanks to the team firing its offensive coordinator midseason.
Nevertheless, Williams displayed hints of why the Bears selected him to be their starting quarterback. Even though he remained in the pocket for too long, he demonstrated that he could remain composed under pressure and avoided making numerous mistakes. People are still drawn to his composure and arm talent. Now, his development is at play.
Year 2 is rapidly approaching. Williams has another opportunity to demonstrate his true self as a quarterback who understands when to let go and continue to showcase that he is a playmaker.