Bears Expected to Bench Caleb Williams Before Season Ends
The Chicago Bears find themselves at a pivotal moment in their 2024 NFL season as discussions arise around the future of quarterback Caleb Williams. With the trade deadline approaching, speculation suggests that the Bears may consider benching Williams in favor of Tyson Bagent.
Bears Considering Changes at Quarterback Position
On October 22, during an episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” host Bill Simmons made a bold prediction. He stated that the Bears’ head coach, Ben Johnson, could bench Caleb Williams and start Tyson Bagent instead. According to Simmons, this decision might occur as early as Week 13 or Week 14.
Reasons for the Possible Shift
- Simmons believes the Bears have a strong team that could contend for a playoff spot.
- He suggested that Williams might be holding the team back from achieving their full potential.
- Simmons noted that Johnson has a fondness for Bagent, hinting at a possible preference for him as a starting quarterback.
Despite this speculation, not everyone agrees with Simmons’ assessment. Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network firmly disagrees with the idea of replacing Williams. He pointed out that the Bears selected Williams as the first overall pick for a reason. Bair emphasized Williams’ mobility and arm talent, arguing that he is not on the same level as previous Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
Commitment to Williams’ Development
Bair mentioned that Ben Johnson had specifically chosen to coach the Bears because of his belief in Williams’ potential. He highlighted that the team is focused on Williams’ long-term development within their complex offensive scheme. Johnson’s commitment signifies that the organization still sees Williams as a crucial asset moving forward, even if his current performance has not met all expectations.
Performance Analysis of Caleb Williams
As the season progresses, opinions on Williams’ performance are evolving. Ben Solak from ESPN has weighed in, asserting that Williams has played decently this season. He cited metrics like Expected Points Added (EPA) per dropback, showing Williams’ performance is near average, comparing favorably against other quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield.
- Williams has improved his sack rate from 10% in 2024 to below 5% this season.
- He is learning to trust his pass protection, which is crucial for his growth.
- There is noticeable development from his rookie to his second season, although further improvement is necessary.
The ongoing dialogue around Caleb Williams highlights important questions about his future with the Chicago Bears. Whether the coaching staff will decide to make a quarterback change remains uncertain. However, Williams’ potential for growth remains a significant focus for the team as they navigate the remainder of the season.
