The rookie year for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is in the books, and now, there are even bigger expectations on this guy to deliver. The former first-rounder was really in the limelight during OTAs, following that rookie season, which did not bring the fireworks that fans hoped to see out of their new star quarterback.
But, it’s a new year, and now, Williams is working with new head coach Ben Johnson. The success of Williams this season will have a lot to do with whether the team succeeds, and it will also be a test of Johnson’s coaching skills.
So, what if Williams doesn’t deliver? One NFL expert lays that out as a worst-possible scenario.
A Make or Break Year for Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams
In a June 16 feature for Bleacher Report, Alex Ballentine lays out the best- and worst-case scenarios for each team in the NFL heading into the new season. “Just look at how much money and resources teams are willing to pour into finding a quarterback, building an offensive line and retaining a star receiver,” he states in the piece. “It’s an offensive league and every front office goes into the offseason with a vision for how it will improve the unit for the next season.”
So, sometimes it’s interesting to look at what could happen, both good and bad, during the season and get dramatic. Of course, these are just guesses, so take them for what they are, some fun predictions and observations. But, it’s also a helpful tool to brace for some possibilities in the season.
“We’ll examine all 32 offenses by taking a look at what the most realistic ceiling is if everything breaks right for a group in 2025,” he adds in the piece.
For the Bears, his worst-case scenario is that “Caleb Williams is the problem,” stating that while “Williams was not a disaster as a rookie,” the player “didn’t meet expectations.”
Williams “was supposed to have the kind of impact Jayden Daniels did in his first year, but he finished 28th in total QBR and the Bears were 26th in EPA per play,” Ballentine stated in the piece. “There were plenty of links on the chain of blame, but almost all of them have been changed. The coaching staff slate has been wiped clean. The offensive line has been remodeled.”
Then, the kicker. Ballentine states that “the Bears would have to seriously reconsider their expectations for Williams if he doesn’t thrive this season.”
Best-Case Scenario for the Chicago Bears
His best-case scenario is that “Ben Johnson unlocks Caleb Williams’ potential,” noting that “the biggest objective for the Chicago Bears offense in 2025 is to come away from the season feeling much better about the No. 1 pick of the 2024 NFL draft.”
“That’s why they needed to hire a great offensive mind in Ben Johnson as their next head coach,” he added. “It’s why they couldn’t give Matt Eberflus another year at the helm.”
So, the Bears have a new, strong offensive line, and that should help Williams thrive. Let’s hope it works. “If Johnson can seamlessly install his system, the Bears have the makings of a top-10 offense,” Ballentine added.
