Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has had a rollercoaster season. While his stats appear solid at first glance, there have been concerning issues throughout the year. Notably, struggles with mid-to-deep throw accuracy and questionable sideline body language have raised eyebrows. However, one aspect that had never been doubted—until recently—was his work ethic.
This changed last week when two NFL voices brought up concerns. First, Barstool Sports’ Will Compton, co-host of the popular podcast Bussin’ with the Boys, shared surprising details with fellow Barstool personality and Bears fan Big Cat. Compton, using unnamed sources, suggested Williams struggles with details in practice.
“Just from what I have heard,” Compton said, “practice, [the] false starts on the quarterback because he doesn’t know the snap count. Not being able to alert when a safety comes down and you have a run play.”
.@_willcompton’s sources might have actually been onto something with Caleb Williams@PFFShow sponsored by @Draftkings #DKPartner pic.twitter.com/fAMCorCiSb
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 28, 2024
Compton revealed only part of the information, insinuating the rest was better left off-air, leaving fans speculating about what else might be going on with Caleb Williams.
Kirk Herbstreit's recent remarks add fuel to the fire.
Adding to the intrigue, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit chimed in during the Bears-Seahawks Thursday night game. Midway through the third quarter, Herbstreit made an odd remark about Caleb Williams.
“I think the thing that remains to be seen — and only time will tell — is if he understands what it takes to be an NFL quarterback as far as the preparation, as far as first guy there, last guy leaving. And I’m not suggesting he’s not doing those things, but just all of those little things that really make the great quarterbacks special.”
"I think the thing that remains to be seen — and only time will tell — is if he understands what it takes to be an NFL quarterback as far as the preparation, as far as first guy there, last guy leaving. And I'm not suggesting he's not doing those things, but just all of those… pic.twitter.com/nhGzz3mfKC
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 27, 2024
While Herbstreit claimed he wasn’t implying anything negative nor has he heard such rumors, bringing up a topic like this on a national broadcast inevitably plants seeds of doubt. Was this simply filler commentary, or is Herbstreit hearing the same rumors as Compton?
Kirk Herbstreit suggested that it’s still uncertain whether Caleb Williams can handle the preparation and be the first one in and the last one out type of guy. Then he noted that he hasn’t heard anything to suggest Williams isn’t that type of player.
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 27, 2024
So why bring it up at all?
So far, there’s been no indication from Halas Hall that Williams lacks work ethic, but where there’s smoke, there’s often fire. For the Bears sake, let’s hope these claims are baseless rumors. Time will tell whether these comments fade or become a larger narrative around Caleb Williams career. Either way, add this to the growing list of reasons why Bears fans will want to forget the 2024 season in a hurry.
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