Caleb Williams has had a tough rookie season. Being the first overall pick, he came into the NFL with high expectations and had a talented group of players alongside him.
The Chicago Bears started the season 4-2 but have lost 10 straight games since then. Williams has been sacked 67 times in 16 games, and the team’s offensive line has often been blamed for the disappointing campaign.
Caleb Williams Takes Blame and Defends His O-Line for Sacks Allowed
Before the final game of his rookie season, Williams talked about the number of sacks he has taken this year. The 23-year-old quarterback defended his offensive line’s performance and mentioned that he was responsible for many of them.
“Everybody gives up sacks, everybody messes up, everybody misses the block, everybody drops a pass, everybody throws those picks,” said Williams. “I got six [picks], and I got a couple of fumbles and things like that. So, you know the connotation behind, you know, my offensive line has been annoying and frustrating because, you know, they work. They work their tail off to be able to go out there.”
“They come in here and work their butt off each each day and each week,” continued Williams. “I’ve taken sacks, and, you know, a good amount have been on me… the stupid connotation behind my offensive line being bad is not the truth. I’ve taken a good amount of sacks that have been on my fault.”
David Carr is the only rookie quarterback in NFL history to have been sacked more times (76) than Williams. Bryce Young was sacked 62 times in his rookie season, but Williams could easily touch the 70 mark because the Bears will play the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.
Williams was sacked seven times in Week 17’s loss against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite constant pressure, he has put up decent numbers in his rookie season. In 16 games, the Bears star has thrown for 3,393 yards, 19 touchdowns, and six interceptions, completing 61.9% of his throws with a passer rating of 87.4.
PFN’s propriety QB+ metric has Williams ranked 36th out of qualifying QBs — it’s a D- grade (62.5) reflecting some struggles for Chicago’s signal-caller. From PFN analyst Ben Rolfe: “Williams finished Week 17 with a -0.52 EPA/DB when pressured, an area he has struggled with all season. He ranks 34th in EPA/DB when pressured at -0.48, which has left him with an overall EPA/DB for the season of -0.05 (31st).”
The take-home message — whether it’s Williams or the O-line, his efficiency is succumbing to the pocket conditions.
Bears Fans React to Williams Defending His O-Line
The Bears quarterback has grown as a leader in his first season in the league, and the fans have praised him for it. Some of the Bears’ fans on social media suggested that getting a head coach like Ben Johnson could fix many of the team’s issues and help Williams.
Here are the reactions:
The offensive line and the coaching / Coordinator/ scheme is the problem… It's all not good enough and it's all out of sync. The OFFENSE has been a mess like usual and Caleb can only do so much with all of that.
— Cubs are BACK ? (@bdub2333) January 2, 2025
“A rookie, but sounds like a seasoned vet. Please get this guy Ben Johnson, nobody deserves it more,” said a fan.
Another fan added, “Leadership. He’s at least acknowledging he, too, is part of the problem and needs to get better, and he will.”
Big chops from the kid here. Accountability is imperative to his development. BEN JOHNSON NEEDS HIM AND VICE VERSA
— – (@Blazilla) January 1, 2025
“He’s the real deal, and people should get off his case until management & coaching gets fixed,” wrote a fan.
“How could you not want this guy at Quarterback? He’s literally taking ownership of them being complete a**,” added another fan.
Get this guy a coach https://t.co/pwObGC3wRF pic.twitter.com/K9APZ2wuJ8
— thedude444 (@thedude4442) January 1, 2025
Johnson is the fan favorite to become the next Bears head coach. He has impressed everyone with his work in Detroit and will be the best person to help Williams. However, getting him will not be easy for Chicago, as various teams around the league will also be pursuing him.
The Bears’ head coaching job is arguably the best opening in the upcoming coaching cycle, mainly because of Williams. The former USC star has superstar potential, and since the rest of the roster is also not that bad, a good head coach could instantly make them a playoff team in 2025.
Heading into Week 18, Chicago also possesses the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and since they are expected to lose to the Packers, the Bears could potentially end up with a top-five pick. It will give more options to the franchise for improving their roster, with the offensive line being a main priority.