Few quarterbacks were in a worse situation than Caleb Williams was with the Chicago Bears, as a rookie, last season.
Williams, chosen with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and heralded as the quarterback to resurrect a once proud franchise that has come upon hard times in recent years, had to navigate a rookie campaign in which he absorbed 68 sacks playing behind an offensive line thrown together with spare parts while navigating a November coaching change and play-calling from two different offensive coordinators.
However, the Bears have plenty of reasons to be optimistic that Williams’ sophomore NFL campaign will be much smoother, much more prolific, and much more explosive than a rookie season littered with growing pains, chaos, and inconsistency.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin lists Williams 16th on his preseason quarterback rankings, citing an improved supporting cast and better infrastructure around the Bears’ quarterback as a reason for optimism this fall.
“Perhaps no young gunslinger is better equipped for a seismic leap,” Benjamin writes for CBS. “Equally frenetic and feisty as a poorly protected rookie, the former No. 1 overall pick now has a fortified front and staff on his side.”
While it might take time to develop the chemistry and cohesion up front for head coach Ben Johnson’s offense to reach its full potential in 2025, there’s little doubt that a line that includes veterans Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman will be a dramatic improvement in terms of protecting Williams and allowing him to develop in his second season.
Why Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams is primed for a breakout season
After passing for 3,541 yards with 20 touchdowns to six interceptions despite the chaos, moving parts, and uninsipiring offensive line play around him, there’s plenty of reason to believe Williams could make major strides in 2025.
Pro Football Focus’ Jonathan Macri put together a list of each team’s top breakout candidate for the 2025 season, with Williams getting the nod for the Bears.
“Everything that the Bears did this offseason,” Macri writes for Pff. “Including installing Ben Johnson as the new head coach, reinforcing the offensive line and adding two high-end receiving weapons with their first two picks in the NFL Draft, is designed to allow the 2024 first overall pick to succeed in his second season. Williams, undoubtedly, struggled in Year 1, taking a league-high 68 sacks while ranking 32nd in passing grade. With everything a young quarterback could need in place around him now, there is no reason for Williams not to deliver on his potential as a former first overall pick, starting in 2025.”
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Johnson’s arrival has been heralded as a quarterback whisperer arriving in the Windy City, and Williams could benefit significantly, especially given his new head coach’s role in helping Jared Goff become one of the league’s most prolific passers the past two seasons.
The combination of Johnson’s input, an improved offensive line, and the arrival of rookie playmakers Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III, as well as the growth from the experiences of last season, could be all it takes for Williams to start flashing the potential the Bears saw when they chose him No. 1 overall.
Chicago Bears have strong case for quick turnaround
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