The Chicago Bears had a clear vision for what they wanted when they entered the 2024 NFL draft. Everybody on the planet knew they were taking a quarterback. It was only a matter of deciding which one. There were multiple options. You had the Heisman winner, Jayden Daniels from LSU, or the prototypical talent, Drake Maye from North Carolina. However, the one most agreed was that the best prospect by a comfortable margin was Caleb Williams of USC. His combination of arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and playmaking instincts was super rare. If a team could put him into the right situation, he had superstar potential.
After bungling the first season by keeping Matt Eberflus and his staff, the Bears quickly pivoted to the infinitely more qualified Ben Johnson this year. Last Saturday night, everything came to fruition as Williams fired two 4th quarter and overtime touchdowns to cap an improbable comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers. It was his sixth of the season. According to NFL research, Williams is now only the second quarterback in league history to accomplish that feat under the age of 25.
The other name in that group? Peyton Manning.
Caleb Williams shares a lot in common with the Hall of Famer.
Both were #1 overall picks. Manning took over a franchise that had been down and out for years. His rookie season was a constant struggle, as he went 3-13 and set the NFL record for most interceptions by a first-year quarterback. The next year, he overcame a sluggish start to carry the Indianapolis Colts to a 13-3 record, characterized by constant late-game magic. While the fun ended with a close playoff loss to Tennessee, it was a clear sign that big things were on the horizon. Manning developed into the face of the NFL, leading the Colts to a decade of glory, including a Super Bowl title.
It feels like Caleb Williams is on that same path. He's finding his self-confidence amidst a series of death-defying victories. Each week shows him getting closer to mastering the art of his position. He has an excellent coaching staff guiding his path. The talent around him is improving. The Bears have made the playoffs and posted their first 11-win season in 15 years. Nobody knows how far they will go. What they do know is the Bears have finally found their guy after decades of searching.
