Insiders expand on struggles of Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams

On the same day that the Chicago Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, a story detailed what rival executives and coaches have seen from Chicago's Caleb Williams amid the rookie quarterback's struggles this fall. 

ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler expanded on the Williams takes for a piece published Wednesday. 

"People I've spoken to feel too much has been asked of Caleb Williams in Chicago," Graziano revealed. 

Before Chicago made Williams the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, some analysts said they felt the top-rated prospect needed to spend at least a portion of his debut pro season developing as a backup. The Bears nevertheless named Williams their Week 1 starter in May, and he helped them win four of their first six contests before the club endured a three-game losing streak. 

"Sources are saying Williams looks rattled -- that he has become tentative, trying to avoid mistakes," Fowler explained. "That has affected fundamentals such as footwork and timing. 'Can't hold onto the ball in this league, and you can't run around like he does, either,' said an AFC executive who has watched Williams up close this season."

Williams has taken a league-high 38 sacks, which is particularly alarming considering Chicago has already had its bye as other teams have played 10 games. According to Pro Football Reference, he's ranked 30th in the NFL with a 38.4 adjusted QBR, 28th with an 81.0 passer rating, 30th with a 39.8% passing success rate and 32nd with a 60.5% completion percentage. 

"Williams' relative inexperience with understanding protections could play a part in all this, and sequencing is an issue," Fowler added about the rookie's rough stretch of play. "In other words, plays are being called seemingly at random, without a clear plan."

That alleged lack of a "clear plan" could result in the Bears parting ways with head coach Matt Eberflus after the season. Graziano directly said that Chicago "is probably going to want to make a dynamic and exciting hire -- especially one who maximizes their investment in Williams."

Of course, such a future decision won't do Williams any good before Week 18. Thus, one can't help but wonder if the Chicago front office could soon ask Eberflus to sit the 22-year-old as a way to protect the club's long-term investment. 

For now, Williams will look to return to winning ways when the 4-5 Bears host the 6-3 Green Bay Packers this Sunday. As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Chicago as a 6.5-point underdog for that matchup.