Chicago Bears fans entered 2024 with sky-high expectations for Caleb Williams.
The Heisman Trophy winner was supposed to be the franchise quarterback they had been waiting for.
Instead, his rookie season has delivered a harsh reality check.
Williams has already faced three quarterbacks drafted after him in 2024. He lost to all three.
The transition from college stardom to NFL success has proven more difficult than many anticipated.
During a recent appearance on The Herd, analyst Nick Wright delivered a blunt assessment of Williams after watching his Week 1 performance.
“My marrow-deep faith that Caleb Williams will be a superstar in this league has taken a hit, the last 96 hours. I will admit that,” Wright told Colin Cowherd.
"My marrow-deep faith that Caleb Williams will be a superstar in this league has taken a hit in the last 96 hours."@colincowherd and @getnickwright talk about the Bears QB struggling late in the Monday night loss to the Vikings pic.twitter.com/GXVOJPczyI
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 9, 2025
Wright pointed to fundamental issues that continue to plague Williams in his second season.
The young quarterback still struggles with basic operations.
Getting out of the huddle cleanly remains a problem.
Managing pre-snap motions looks awkward at times. These are rookie mistakes that should be behind him by now.
Wright acknowledged that Williams can make spectacular throws that few quarterbacks attempt.
That sideline laser on the run showcased his rare arm talent. But those highlight moments get overshadowed by critical mistakes.
Williams missed three fourth-down opportunities in Week 1, including a potential touchdown.
Wright noted how the easy plays often trip up the Bears quarterback while he nails the difficult ones.
The analyst remains optimistic about Williams’ long-term potential.
However, his development timeline has shifted dramatically.
He now expects a slower, more deliberate progression than he originally projected.
Williams gets another chance to prove himself this weekend.
The Chicago Bears face the Detroit Lions at 1 PM ET on Sunday in their second NFC North matchup.
The young quarterback may need to adjust his approach as the team tries to change its current direction.
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