Can Chicago’s Franchise Quarterback Continue His Historic Season?
The Chicago Bears' offense has turned heads all season long, but now the spotlight gets brighter. They have historically struggled to move the ball and score points, but this year Ben Johnson was able to turn the tide. While there were many performances to aid with this, one stuck out more than the rest, and that is Caleb Williams. In the first year with Johnson, it is safe to say that he exceeded expectations as he broke a long-time franchise record. Now, the attention is turned to extending his success to the postseason.
Heading into the final two weeks of the season, Williams was on the verge of history. He entered the matchup with the San Francisco 49ers needing 439 yards to have the most passing yards in a single season in franchise history. He then threw for 330 yards to put the record in reach with one week left. Against the Detroit Lions, he threw for 212 yards to bring his total to 3,942. Not only was his performance enough to break this 30-year record, but it also brought him up to 27 passing touchdowns, which is tied for fourth most in a single season in team history.
The former first overall pick came into the season with heavy expectations to show his ability to lead the franchise. However, due to it being the first year in this offense, few people thought that he would break a team record. Many fans had the hope that he could become the first Bears quarterback to throw for either 4,000 yards or 30 touchdowns in a single season. While he came short of both of those marks, his strong year shows his high potential.
These stats may be good, but they aren't the greatest thing he has done this season. The 24-year-old was able to lead the team to 11 wins and the NFL Playoffs, which they have not been to since 2020. However, despite all of these positives, there are still some serious questions surrounding Williams. His consistency and accuracy were issues for much of the regular season. When looking only at the final few weeks, it becomes even clearer.
Despite beating the Green Bay Packers in overtime, he struggled to move the ball for the first three quarters. The matchup with the 49ers showed his elite talent as the team lost in a shootout. The season finale against the Lions was similar to the game against the Packers, as the offense struggled for most of the game but then made it close at the end. In all of the games, Williams showed his potential, but if he were more consistent, then it would have made the team's lives a lot easier.
As the Bears turn their attention to the postseason, Caleb Williams' sophomore campaign should be viewed as a foundation rather than a finished product. Breaking long-standing franchise records and guiding Chicago back to the playoffs signals a clear step forward for an offense that has long searched for stability at quarterback. Still, the next stage of his development will define how far this team can go. If Williams can pair his proven explosiveness with greater consistency and accuracy, the Bears will not only be playoff contenders but legitimate threats. The regular season showed what is possible; the postseason will reveal just how ready Williams is to lead Chicago into a new era.
