Chicago Bears reveal how to solve Caleb Williams ‘stuck’ as opposing rookies rise, leaving major decision on cards

Jayden Daniels is up, Bo Nix is ​​up, Drake May, Caleb Williams is down.

This is the mid-season problem facing Chicago Bears who find themselves in the awkward position of receiving their first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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While Williams’ status as an extremely talented signal-caller, the face of the franchise and an elite prospect is unquestioned, just nine games into his rookie season, his level of play is such.

With 1,665 yards and nine touchdowns, Williams ranks outside the top 15 in either category on the season, and his 41.9 QB rating ranks him 27th in the league, but he has had his moments.

Off-script performances, outstanding performance in London, winning acclaim Jacksonville Jaguarsand a 4-4 record, which isn’t a disaster for a Bears team that hasn’t won in each of the last five seasons.

In fact, that’s one winning season since 2012.

In a hyper-competitive NFC North matchup, the Bears found themselves at 4-2 after winning London, but after losing consecutive games following questions over Williams, the Bears and head coach Matt Eberflus began to gain momentum.

“Where does it improve? Where is your attacking passing improving?” Dan Orlovsky spoke with Get Up on ESPN.

“There are times when he gets a shot with his back foot and clears the ball and it’s accurate, it’s timely and it looks fantastic. It just doesn’t happen often,” Jason McCourty added.

“I know what’s going to happen,” chimed in Harry Douglas, a 10-year NFL veteran and former wide receiver.

“They need an offensive minded head coach, a guru who can connect with their quarterback.

“This way he can be on the correct train track and not end up on the derailed track that he is on now.

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Complicating things for the Bears (and Eberflus in particular) is the fact that they’re starring quarterbacks drafted right after Williams.

“If we’re being realistic, are the staff that work there now the best?” – added Orlovsky.

“After nine or 10 games you sit there and say no. You sit and watch Jayden Daniels and its continued ascent this year. Honestly, you’re watching Drake May and his rise.

“To be honest, you’re seeing Bo Nix play better in terms of his rise. And you saw three rookie quarterbacks play better for most of the season and get better for most of the season.

“That’s where Chicago is stuck right now because they have a good football coach and a good staff. Is this Caleb’s best after nine games?

“It’s hard to say yes. To be honest.”

No one doubts that the Bears have done everything right, but the question of whether the environment is right will only gain momentum as the team struggles.

The Bears will play three straight home games, starting on New England Patriots in Week 10 before NFC North rivals Green Bay and Minnesota take to Soldier Field.

These games will likely go a long way in shaping not just the season, but the future of the franchise – and ESPN insider Adam Schefter has one name to keep an eye on: Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

After a stellar five-year run in Detroit, he will likely have his team’s choice this offseason – should he decide to take over the HC role – and Schefter believes the right opportunity should present itself.

“Ben Johnson will be very, very selective in the location he chooses. if he decides to leave Detroit altogether. He will be very careful.

“I don’t know if he’s willing to leave this unit, to lead it, to go where you talk about the dysfunction that exists within this organization. Let’s see.

“It’s his business. But I believe that he will be very selective in how he runs his business.

“If Ben Jonson interviews anyone this year, he will interview with the intention of taking the job.”

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