The Chicago Bears struggled last season with then-rookie quarterback Caleb Williams under center. Now, as the team aims to make a significant leap forward in a tough NFC North, looking back at his first year raises serious concerns.
The franchise hopes to turn the page under new head coach Ben Johnson, who was hired in January, as Williams may face another reset in his sophomore season. One former NFL quarterback has already voiced frustration over how things were handled during Williams’ rookie campaign.
Infuriated Dan Orlovsky Discusses Chicago Bears’ Treatment of Caleb Williams
ESPN senior writer and New York Times bestselling author Seth Wickersham is working on a new book, “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback.” In an excerpt published on ESPN, he detailed how Williams reportedly received no guidance from the previous coaching staff on how to study film.
“At times, Williams said he would watch the film alone, with no instruction or guidance from the coaches. ‘No one tells me what to watch,’ Caleb Williams told his dad. ‘I just turn it on.’”
The Bears declined to comment on the report, but it sparked immediate backlash. ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky didn’t hold back in his response.
“Very interesting. Very.. My biggest takeaway is: NO ONE TAUGHT HIM WHAT TO WATCH TAPE WISE AND HOW TO? NO ONE WATCHED IT WITH HIM?!!?!? If that’s true—what a complete joke and total failure by the staff for that young man—and explains a lot of the play! This infuriates me!”
Very interesting. Very..
My biggest takeaway is:
NO ONE TAUGHT HIM WHAT TO WATCH TAPE WISE AND HOW TO? NO ONE WATCHED IT WITH HIM?!!?!?
If that’s true—what a complete joke and total failure by the staff for that young man—and explains a lot of the play!
This infuriates me! https://t.co/dv8TUkjluC
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7)
During Williams’ rookie year, the Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. The No. 1 overall pick completed 351 of 562 passes (62.5%) for 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. The team finished 5-12 and missed the playoffs. Williams also led the league in sacks, going down 68 times.
Williams added 489 yards on the ground, though Bears fans aren’t as concerned with the rocket-armed passers’ rushing stats.
Chicago finished 30th in total offense last season, with a 64.0 grade per PFSN’s Offense+ metric. But the front office made major changes this offseason to address the issue.
The offensive line added left guard Joe Thuney, center Drew Salman, and right guard Jonah Jackson. The Bears also bolstered their skill positions, drafting tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III in the first two rounds.
Williams will get a fresh start in Year 2 with a retooled offense and new leadership. However, how Chicago handles Williams’ development will be under a much sharper microscope.