After an offseason filled with optimism and high expectations, Chicago Bears fans were hopeful that the team’s offense would take a significant leap forward in 2024. With rookie No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams under center, many believed this could finally be the year a Bears quarterback threw for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in a single season.
However, the first two weeks have been far from the offensive explosion fans anticipated, leaving many to wonder if it’s time to hit the panic button.
Through two games, the Bears sit at 1-1, but their offensive output has left much to be desired.
Caleb Williams, despite his lofty draft position and potential, has struggled to find his rhythm. His stats aren’t great, and the Chicago faithful are starting to get restless. But is this early criticism justified?
One former NFL star has already weighed in.
Richard Sherman, on his podcast Thursday, suggested that Chicago’s problems on offense start in the trenches.
According to Sherman, it’s not yet clear whether Williams is a bust, but he believes the Bears made a critical error in this year’s draft. Specifically, Sherman thinks the Bears should have used their No. 9 overall pick on an offensive lineman instead of wide receiver Rome Odunze.
He stated that we can’t even tell if Williams is a bust or not yet because he has been under so much pressure.
While Sherman raises a valid point, it’s important to note that Rome Odunze, the Chicago Bears’ No. 9 pick, has been dealing with a minor knee injury that may have impacted his production. Through two games, Odunze has recorded just three catches for 44 yards, while Williams has faced relentless pressure from opposing defenses.
It’s possible that the knee injury is holding Odunze back, but that won’t quiet the critics who are starting to question the team’s draft strategy.
The concern is understandable, especially considering the immediate success of offensive tackles like Olu Fashanu and Taliese Fuaga, who were drafted 11th and 14th, respectively. Both were seen as potential Day 1 starters and could have helped solidify the Bears’ offensive line, a unit that has struggled to protect its young quarterback.
The fear is that if Caleb Williams ends up like Bryce Young, who has been beaten down behind a porous offensive line in Carolina, he may lose confidence and fail to reach his potential.
However, it’s far too early to sound the alarm bells in Chicago. The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and judging a rookie quarterback after two games is premature.
Rome Odunze was drafted in the top 10 for a reason—he has the talent to develop into a top-tier wide receiver, and once healthy, he could be a game-changer for this offense. Additionally, offensive linemen take time to develop, and while missing out on a Day 1 starter might sting now, the Chicago Bears have plenty of time to adjust and protect their franchise quarterback.
In the meantime, fans and analysts alike need to temper their expectations and give the team a chance to gel. Building a high-powered offense takes time, and while the early returns haven’t been what fans had hoped for, there’s still plenty of season left to turn things around.
So for now, it’s best to put the pitchforks away. While Richard Sherman may have a point, it’s far too early to label this draft class a mistake. Chicago still has time to right the ship, and Caleb Williams has the talent to succeed—he just needs the time and protection to do it.
