Why Developing a Quarterback at Halas Hall Always Feels Like a Stadium Project?
Through four games, Caleb Williams is not C.J. Stroud, but he’s not Bryce Young, either — which is pretty good for a Bears rookie quarterback.
His 61.7% completion rate through four NFL starts is significantly better than predecessors Justin Fields (53.6%) and Mitch Trubisky (47.5%). His 787 passing yards is far better than Fields (562) and Trubisky (512).
Williams has been sacked 16 times for 124 yards, which is a bit higher than Fields (13 sacks for 84 yards) and Trubisky (11 sacks for 43 yards). However, Williams has thrown more touchdown passes (three) than Fields (two) or Trubisky (two).
His 72.0 passer rating is comparable to Fields (72.6) and better than Trubisky (66.2). For what it’s worth, Williams’ closest statistical Bears rookie quarterback comp through four starts is Tyson Bagent, who had a 73.0 passer rating, 65.1% completion rate, 776 passing yards, three touchdowns and 6.0 yards per attempt in four starts last season.
It would be cool if there were an alternate universe where you could see what would happen if the Bears hired [Kliff Kingsbury] and the Commanders hired [Shane Waldron]. Or if the Bears drafted [Jayden Daniels] and the Commanders drafted [Caleb Williams].
It’s uncanny how the Bears always seem to be behind the league, regardless of the coordinator or the quarterback. Under Waldron, the Bears are tied for 27th in the NFL in offensive points scored (62), 30th in total yards (253.0), 29th in rushing (87.3) and 26th in passing (165.8). Would they be any better under Kingsbury? Or with Daniels? It sure seems like it’s more about the coordinator than the quarterback.
When punter Tory Taylor was drafted in the fourth round this year, Williams welcomed him with a funny line: "You’re not going to punt too much here." Taylor actually has punted 20 times — tied for fourth most in the NFL.
But, in an interesting twist, it’s actually Daniels’ punter, Tress Way, who hasn’t been needed. With Kingsbury’s offense producing 13 touchdowns and 12 field goal attempts in 31 drives, Tress Way has punted just four times in four games. That’s the fewest in the first four games of a season in the Super Bowl era.
Waldron’s offense showed signs of progress against the Rams. The Bears’ 12-play, 74-yard touchdown drive that gave them a 17-9 lead in the third quarter was their first drive of longer than five plays this season without a negative play — no penalties, sacks, lost yardage or turnover.
Conclusion
The development of a quarterback at Halas Hall always seems to take more time than expected, just like a stadium project. Even with a promising young talent like Caleb Williams, progress is slow and grudging. The Bears can learn from the success of their NFC East rivals, such as the Commanders with Jayden Daniels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Caleb Williams a good quarterback?
A: Yes, but he’s not on the same level as Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud. He has his strengths and weaknesses, like any rookie quarterback.
Q: Why is it harder for the Bears to develop a quarterback?
A: It’s not easy, but it seems to take more time than for other teams. The lack of continuity on the coaching staff and the offense don’t help.
Q: Why did the Bears choose not to hire Kliff Kingsbury as their new coordinator?
A: Apparently, they preferred Shane Waldron, who has some challenges to overcome with this young team.
Q: Will Caleb Williams ever surpass C.J. Stroud’s rookie season?
A: It’s hard to predict, but Williams needs more time to develop, both physically and mentally.
Q: Can the Bears build a strong offense with this young quarterback?
A: Yes, but they need to find the right recipe, which might require changing the coaching staff and experimenting with different play callers.
Q: Is this all about the quarterback position in the NFL?
A: No, it’s a team sport, but having a good quarterback makes life easier for everyone on offense.
