People are calling it rock bottom. Losing by double digits to a lowly New England Patriots team at home will do that. They haven't yet realized the Packers are up next. Either way, the Chicago Bears have the look of a team in complete freefall. Nowhere is that clearer than on offense. In the past three games, they have scored a total of 27 points, including no touchdowns in the past two. Caleb Williams is at the heart of this mess, enduring repeated shellackings with constant pressure and sacks. He was dropped six times in Arizona and another nine on Sunday against the Patriots.
This can't continue without lasting damage. Head coach Matt Eberflus is under immense pressure to do something. Adam Schefter of ESPN went on the Pat McAfee Show, where he revealed the Bears are considering multiple options. That includes the possibility Williams could get benched in favor of backup Tyson Bagent.
The Bears must do right by Caleb Williams, no matter the cost.
Keep in mind they went into Sunday with three members of their opening day offensive line out. Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright have knee injuries. Nate Davis was benched. It got even worse when Teven Jenkins left with an ankle issue. It was so bad that the Bears only dressed seven offensive linemen for the game when it is usually eight. That is how a non-descript pass rush was able to drop Caleb Williams for nine sacks. Until the Bears can find a solution to this problem, sitting him might be the best course of action. It is abundantly clear he is wilting under the constant pressure, too afraid to take risks for fear of a turnover. Giving the rookie a couple of weeks off to heal up and gather himself might not be the worst idea.
Eberflus quickly denied this was an option during his subsequent press conference, though it's hard to know if anything he says is true these days. The most likely outcome at this stage is a change in offensive play-caller. Shane Waldron isn't getting the job done and doesn't have any answers. It is a desperate move, but the only one the Bears have.
