There are several questions that need to be answered soon for the Chicago Bears after a disastrous 0-2 start. From coaching, to the front office, to the players, there are reservations that this organization is heading in the right direction. However, one question that seems to be on the minds of some people is the idea that the Bears might bench quarterback Caleb Williams. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler goes into his thoughts on whether that’s a possibility for the Bears.
Possibility of the Bears Benching Caleb Williams?
Fowler notes that it won’t happen now, but if Williams doesn’t find his “footing” by Week 10, then does the question of benching him become valid?
For one, Williams isn’t the reason why the Bears gave up 52 points to the Detroit Lions in Week 2. Plus, he’s shown tremendous growth since his rookie season. Playing more in structure and getting the ball out quicker, he looks to be heading in the right direction.
Caleb Williams with some frozen ropes to Rome Odunze. These are all around 30 yards in the air and there’s barely any arc on them. pic.twitter.com/k81Do8n291
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 16, 2025
With an offense as complicated as the one Ben Johnson runs, it’s crazy to think people are giving up on Williams, who’s only two games into his career with Johnson calling the plays.
“I did see significant growth,” Johnson said regarding Williams. “It’s not perfect yet. There’s still a number of plays where our eyes aren’t quite in the right position or we’re holding onto the ball just a tick longer than what we’re coaching. But I did see tremendous growth in terms of going through the progression.”
The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen, who recently published a piece going in-depth on Williams’ positive growth in the game against Detroit, had this to say on Williams.
“Williams made several high-level throws with timing against the Detroit Lions. He played within the structure of the offense and rarely deviated. He did throw a terrible interception on second-and-32 that sticks out, but for the most part, he played a clean game and repeatedly flashed his high-end ability from inside and outside the pocket.”
So, Why the Questions?
Well, it’s because backup quarterback Tyson Bagent makes the offense look “crisper” when he’s in the game. At least, according to Bears camp.
“But the feeling coming out of Bears camp was that, despite Williams’ otherworldly talent, the offense was a bit crisper with Tyson Bagent running the huddle,” Fowler notes. “Is Johnson willing to be patient here? I think so. And Williams’ immense talent is a commodity worth betting on. But these coaches feel pressure to win — three-year grace periods no longer exist — and Johnson didn’t draft Williams. Just thinking out loud.”
It doesn’t seem logical for someone like Johnson, who waited for the perfect opportunity to become a head coach, to give up on a former No. 1 overall pick in just 10 games together. And Fowler is right. Johnson didn’t draft Williams. But that doesn’t mean Johnson wants to find his own quarterback.
This will take time, but it’s something that isn’t given to young quarterbacks in today’s NFL. Maybe, just maybe, being patient will result in developing a quarterback into a star in Chicago.
Main Image: Lon Horwedel – Imagn Images
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