Expectations are high for Caleb Williams this year, as well they should be. He’s a former #1 overall pick. In the second season, quarterbacks should start showing why they are destined for big things in the NFL. Williams was a Heisman winner and widely proclaimed as one of the best prospects since Andrew Luck. The excuses from last year have been addressed. Ben Johnson brings his proven offensive system down from Detroit. The offensive line was retooled with three proven veterans. The Chicago Bears even added another layer of talented playmakers.
This is the best setup any quarterback has had in this city in over a decade—one could argue it is the best any has ever had. People are anxious to see what Williams does with it. He had a rollercoaster 2024, absorbing 68 sacks and looking rough at times, but also managing respectable numbers. ESPN’s Mike Clay revealed his new projections for the 2025 season. From what he gathers, Williams will improve on what he accomplished last season.
Williams will throw more touchdowns, take fewer sacks, and most importantly, break the Bears’ elusive single-season passing record of 3,838 held by Erik Kramer.
Caleb Williams would be in a great spot with a season like that.
Is it in the elite tier? No. Even so, it is a big step forward for his development and his confidence. He accounts for over 4,000 total yards and 26 touchdowns. Doing that in the first year of a new offense is pretty good, all things considered. If Johnson can get the running game going, as many believe he will, the Bears should be a playoff contender. The goal isn’t for Caleb Williams to carry everything on his shoulders. It is to get him playing well as part of a greater machine. Jared Goff was rarely asked to shoulder the burden alone in Detroit. That complementary football Johnson championed is what made the Lions so dangerous. The best path to build Williams into the star he can be is by taking as much off his plate as possible until he’s ready.
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