Caleb Williams’ Franchise QB Potential Analyzed in Bears Mailbag & Week 9 Picks
The Chicago Bears are preparing for a crucial match against the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday. The Bengals are currently struggling defensively, ranking at or near the bottom in several key categories, including yards allowed per game and rushing yards allowed. They also have one of the weakest third-down defenses, placing 31st in the league. With star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson likely sidelined, the Bears see an opportunity to take advantage of Cincinnati’s vulnerabilities.
Caleb Williams’ Franchise QB Potential
As the Bears advance into Week 9, uncertainty surrounds Caleb Williams’ potential as the franchise quarterback. While he has shown improvement this season, he ranks 21st in expected points added per pass. Despite having the physical skills and flashes of brilliance, he currently holds a passer rating that places him 20th in the league. The question of whether he can be Chicago’s long-term solution remains unresolved.
- Rank in expected points added: 21st
- Current passer rating: 20th
- Games played under Ben Johnson: 7
Historically, quarterbacks have experienced varying developmental trajectories. For example, Jared Goff took time to excel under pressure and a new system. As the Bears seek answers, there is hope that by January 2025, Williams will have made sufficient progress to instill confidence in his role.
Offensive Strategy Insights
Turning to player utilization, the Bears have used “12 personnel” (two tight ends, two receivers, one running back) on 29.6% of their snaps—an increase from the previous year. Despite this, the team ranks last in receiving yards by tight ends, having only accumulated 248 yards from that position. This contrasts sharply with other teams that utilize tight ends more frequently.
| Team | % in 12 Personnel | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|
| Bears | 29.6% | 248 |
| Browns | 44.5% | 616 |
| Falcons | 43.7% | 339 |
Meanwhile, rookie tight end Colston Loveland has yet to showcase his full potential. He has only made three catches on six targets from the slot. Enhancing his usage could provide a much-needed spark for the Bears’ passing game.
Defensive Challenges Ahead
Defensively, the Bears must tackle issues affecting their defensive front. Notably, defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo’s performance has raised concerns, particularly regarding playmaking ability. He has recorded only one sack and three quarterback hits through seven games. The Bears are currently 19th in sacks per pass, highlighting the urgency for improvement on this front.
The matchup between the Bears and Bengals promises to be key not only for team ambitions this season but also for players like Caleb Williams, who need to establish their franchise credentials. As the offensive and defensive strategies unfold, fans will be watching closely to see if the Bears can capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses.
