Last week, a report from ESPN’s Seth Wickersham confirmed that Caleb Williams had issues with the Chicago Bears coaching staff in 2024. Without the help of then-offensive coordinator Shane Waldon, Williams created his own film study room to review material.
How much the Bears or Williams were to blame for the quarterback’s shortcomings in 2024 has been up for debate since the report dropped. Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner told 670 The Score this week that both Williams and the Bears shared blame.
Coaches don’t typically hold the hands of No. 1 picks in the film room unless they ask for that kind of help.
The Chicago Bears had their issues with Caleb Williams
Syndication: Detroit Free Press Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) makes a pass against Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.
A Bears insider suggested Wednesday that Williams’ frustrations with habits weren’t a one-way street.
In an answer to a question on whether the Bears were “concerned” about Williams’ film-watching habits and abilities, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune told 670 The Score’s “Mully & Harris” that the team had “varying opinions” about Williams’ habits.
“I think he’s gotta be better at everything he does in year two,” Biggs said. Whatever he did in year one wasn’t good enough. And if you’ve played at Oklahoma and played at USC and won a Heisman Trophy, you gotta have some level of expertise watching film, I would imagine, right?
“Unless you were going out and just winging it on, you know, great physical tools and skills that you do have. So he’s gonna have to work harder than he’s ever worked for (head coach) Ben Johnson, I would think. And there’s, you know, varying opinions about film work and habits of his rookie season for sure that are out there.”
Williams has the tools for success in 2025
NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
The Bears got rid of head coach Matt Eberflus and Waldron and hired Johnson at $13 million per year to teach Williams how to watch tape. Chicago also invested at other places in the offense this offseason, adding three starting interior offensive linemen in March before adding two pass catchers and an OT within the draft’s first two rounds.
The Bears have given Williams what he needs to be successful at the NFL level. Now it’s up to Williams to show good habits so that he can improve.
2025 is on him.
NFL: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
