ESPN's Unexpected Reason Caleb Williams May Lead NFL In Passing Yards

Everybody loves to dump on the Chicago Bears for their inferiority at quarterback. They remain the only franchise in the NFL with no 4,000-yard or 30-touchdown passers. The incredible incompetence in finding even a good quarterback, let alone a great one, over the past 80 years is astounding. Hopes are high that maybe, just maybe, Caleb Williams can break the curse. He's the #1 overall pick in the draft. He put up tons of numbers at USC. The talent is not in question.

The Bears even did a great job surrounding him with talent. D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen are legitimate stars at wide receiver. Rome Odunze is a top-10 pick. D'Andre Swift is one of the best receiving backs in the league. That doesn't include Cole Kmet, who is an above-average tight end. Williams should have no issue putting up solid numbers if the offensive line doesn't completely fall apart. However, ESPN actually gave him odds to lead the NFL in passing yards. One of their reasons for this was something Bears fans may not have considered.

"Look for pass-happy coaching staffs:...

...Last year's top 10 teams by pass rate over expectation: Chiefs, Commanders (Eric Bieniemy's Chiefs roots showing), Vikings, Cowboys, Jaguars, Ravens (hello!), 49ers (really?!), Dolphins, Bills and Seahawks."

Shane Waldron will likely let Caleb Williams throw.

As offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, Waldron's offense ranked 20th, 13th, and 5th in passing percentage over his three years there. He was more than comfortable throwing the ball a ton with Geno Smith, a former journeyman backup, at quarterback. Having DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett at wide receiver certainly helped embolden Waldron to do this. However, it was also a philosophical thing. He seemed to believe throwing to set up the run was more successful than the other way around. Having balance is important, but getting the quarterback in a rhythm supersedes everything else.

The preseason offered a small preview of this. In the win over Cincinnati, Caleb Williams threw the ball on his first three plays of the game. While all three were incompletions, it was a clear indication the Bears didn't mind letting him put it up early and often. Combine this approach with the weapons they've assembled, and it could lead to way more passing yards than people are projecting. It probably won't lead the entire NFL, but it isn't crazy to presume he threatens that elusive 4,000-yard mark.