Keep in mind the entire hype this preseason surrounding Caleb Williams and the affect he may need on the fast fortunes of the Chicago Bears? The entire good vibes coming from “Exhausting Knocks” looks as if a distant reminiscence now because the Chicago offense could not even muster a landing at dwelling towards the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Williams has proven he has the instruments to be the long-term reply for the Bears at quarterback, and Chicago has surrounded him with a gaggle of playmakers that, on paper, would appear to make his first NFL season one that might achieve success. Nonetheless, a stagnant offense and an injury-filled offensive line have turned preseason hope into cries for the roles of head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
With Chicago stumbling towards New England (marking the second consecutive recreation the place the Bears have not scored a landing) and your complete slate towards the NFC North starting this week at dwelling towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers, the time is now for the Bears to search out the consolation zone for Williams and let him information the offense reasonably than placing him in conditions the place he’s uncomfortable.
The physique language from Williams has modified dramatically for the reason that Hail Mary loss at Washington, with the primary total choose admitting that some things “didn’t click” with him throughout key moments in Sunday’s dwelling loss. Certain, a few of that may be attributed to a rookie studying on the NFL degree. Nonetheless, there’s a failure in teaching there as nicely if Williams is not prepared for no matter conditions come his method on any given Sunday.
Shaking your head at the offensive coordinator? That is not solely an indication of not being on the identical web page, but additionally a cry for assist from Williams.
If the Bears are going to show issues round because the divisional portion of the schedule begins, it has to start out now, and it has to contain a collection of selections that revolve round what’s finest for the quarterback and kickstarting the offense. If Waldron is the issue, now could be the time to maneuver on.
The Bears cannot sit again and look forward to issues to get higher. An injury-plagued offensive line gave up 9 sacks on Sunday to New England, and the defenses in Detroit, Minnesota and Inexperienced Bay are salivating over the ideas of getting their turns to hit Williams.
Preserving Williams wholesome from a bodily standpoint and locked in from a psychological standpoint is arguably extra essential for the Bears proper now than the ultimate rating. Consecutive losses to Arizona and New England haven’t helped Chicago’s playoff possibilities, and the schedule forward is something however simple if the Bears are to presumably play significant soccer in January.
That, nonetheless, is the longer term. The Bears have to be centered on Williams and the current. Staying pat and never making modifications (whether or not that is within the teaching ranks or the offensive performs being referred to as) is a disservice to Williams, his growth and the steps which are wanted to be taken for the Bears to finally get again to the playoffs.
