The Chicago Bears’ season has taken a discouraging turn in recent weeks, with the offense sputtering and losses piling up. Amidst the turmoil, questions have swirled about whether it’s time for a change at quarterback. On Monday, head coach Matt Eberflus addressed the media and made one thing abundantly clear – rookie Caleb Williams will remain the Bears’ starter under center.
“Caleb is our starter,” Eberflus stated emphatically when asked about a potential QB change. The vote of confidence comes on the heels of a dismal showing against the New England Patriots, in which Williams was sacked a staggering nine times and the Bears failed to reach the end zone for a second straight game.
While Eberflus is standing pat at quarterback, he acknowledged that the status quo is unacceptable for the struggling offense. “Everything is on the table,” the second-year head coach said, indicating that changes are forthcoming to try to jumpstart a unit that hasn’t scored a touchdown in 23 consecutive drives.
Offensive Coordinator on the Hot Seat?
One potential shakeup that Eberflus hinted at is a change in offensive playcalling duties. Just a week after backing current offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, Eberflus was noncommittal when asked if Waldron would retain those responsibilities moving forward. The Bears’ offensive woes have intensified in recent weeks:
- Held without a touchdown in back-to-back games for first time since 2018
- NFL-worst 7% third down conversion rate vs Patriots
- 18 sacks allowed in past 3 games, most of any team
- Williams has 3 straight games with career-high pressure rates
Obviously we’re looking at everything in terms of how we can improve, what we can do to give our guys a better chance to succeed. Who calls the plays is part of that evaluation.
– Coach Matt Eberflus
Promising Start Hits a Wall
The decision to stick with Williams is a show of faith in the rookie, who was selected with the first overall pick in April’s draft. The former USC star flashed tantalizing potential early in the season, showcasing the arm strength, accuracy, and mobility that made him such a coveted prospect. However, the last three weeks have seen Williams and the offense hit a wall.
In losses to the Patriots, Cardinals, and Commanders, Williams has completed just 58% of his passes with 2 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He’s been sacked 18 times in that span and posted a meager 65.4 passer rating. Growing pains are to be expected with any rookie quarterback, but the Bears had hoped their prized draft pick would start to turn a corner by this point in the season.
A Challenging Road Ahead
With a daunting upcoming schedule that includes matchups with the Vikings, Bills, and Eagles, time is running short for Williams and the Bears to get things heading in the right direction. While benching the struggling rookie may seem like the obvious move to some, Eberflus is determined to give his young signal caller the opportunity to play through his slump and prove he’s the long-term answer.
It’s a decision that could ultimately define Eberflus’ tenure in Chicago. The Bears invested heavily to land Williams, trading away multiple first round picks to secure the top selection. If he proves to be a bust, it would be a crippling blow to a franchise desperate to find stability under center.
We believe in Caleb. We know he’s a special talent with a bright future ahead of him. These struggles will only make him stronger. As coaches, it’s on us to put him in better positions to be successful.
– Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron
Patience Wearing Thin?
Still, even the most promising prospects have a leash, and Williams’ appears to be getting shorter by the week. If he can’t show signs of progress against the Detroit Lions next Sunday, the calls for a QB change will only grow louder. With veteran Tyson Bagent waiting in the wings, Eberflus may be forced to rethink his stubborn commitment to the rookie.
For now, Caleb Williams remains atop the Bears’ depth chart, with the backing of his head coach. But the pressure is squarely on the young quarterback’s shoulders to reward that faith and prove that sunnier days are ahead for a Bears offense currently stuck in a nightmare. The clock is ticking on Williams and Chicago’s patience.
