Rating the Rookies: Will Bears-Commanders be epic showdown between Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels?
It’ll be a huge letdown if the long-awaited matchup between top two draft picks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels falls through — especially after CBS flexed Bears-Commanders into the late-afternoon window — because of Daniels’ rib injury.
No. 1 overall pick: Bears QB Caleb Williams
The bye week gave Williams a chance to catch his breath after a roller-coaster start to his career. He posted a 65.3 passer rating over his first three games, then a 122.8 over the next three. Where he goes from here will determine whether the Bears make a playoff push.
No. 2 overall pick: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels
Daniels is still atop the rookie leaderboard and has been not only the best passer but the best runner as well. He got hurt on a 46-yard run on the Commanders’ first play Sunday against the Panthers.
No. 3 overall pick: Patriots QB Drake Maye
Maye, who comes to Soldier Field in two weeks, got blown out by the Jaguars on Sunday, but played well: 26-of-37 passing, 276 yards, two touchdowns, and a 109.7 passer rating.
No. 8 overall pick: Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.
Penix made his NFL debut Sunday, playing the final drive of the Falcons’ blowout loss to the Seahawks. His only pass was a 14-yard completion.
No. 12 overall pick: Broncos QB Bo Nix
Like Williams and Daniels, Nix currently has his team in the playoff field. Unlike them, he’s been unremarkable. In the Broncos’ win over the Saints, he completed 16 of 26 passes for 164 yards.
The Bears quarterback has been improving at a dramatic, and encouraging, rate.
Williams, meanwhile, is on a hot streak and will go into the game, which is in his hometown, fresh off a bye.
Will the showdown materialize?
In light of the uncertainty surrounding Daniels’ injury status, it’s hard not to imagine a showdown between the top two picks falling apart. But we’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as we get them.
Conclusion:
The matchup between Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels is eagerly anticipated, but it’s far from a sure thing. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Daniels’ injury status, we’ll continue to bring you updates and analysis as we get closer to kickoff.
Frequently Asked Questions:
* Will Jayden Daniels play against the Bears?
+ As of now, it’s unclear whether Daniels will be able to play due to a rib injury, but the Commanders are “hopeful” he’ll be able to go.
* How have the other top rookies performed?
+ Caleb Williams has been improving at a dramatic rate, while Drake Maye showed well in Week 3. Michael Penix and Bo Nix have been solid, but not spectacular.
* Will the matchup between Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels live up to the hype?
+ It’s far from a sure thing, given the uncertainty surrounding Daniels’ injury status. But we’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as we get them.
