If you ask people around the NFL, there are already answers on much of the 2024 quarterback class. Jayden Daniels was an instant sensation in Washington, guiding the Commanders to an NFC championship appearance. Drake Maye looked like a pro despite rough circumstances in New England. Bo Nix led Denver to the playoffs. Yet whenever the conversation shifts to Caleb Williams, people act like he was a train wreck. Sure, he took 68 sacks last season and had some ugly outings, but he also had some great stretches. Never mind that he did much of it with some of the worst coaching in the league.
He finished with over 3500 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Most Chicago Bears quarterbacks haven't touched numbers like that for the past 40 years. Even so, there is still an air of pessimism around what Williams will accomplish this season. Maybe part of it is the Bears' tortured history at the position. Maybe it's their tough schedule. Any of it doesn't perturb one person. Former quarterback Chris Simms is all in on Williams not just improving this year, but having a genuine breakout. Where does the confidence come from?
He explained on Unbuttoned.
Caleb Williams deserves more respect.
Last season, he had 10 games where he posted a passer rating of 86 or higher. He had six games with 100 or higher. Yet people seemed to spend more energy holding bad outings like Houston and Seattle against him, where he took 14 combined sacks with three interceptions and no touchdowns. There is no mention of his two 4th quarter comebacks, which should've been four if not for the late gaffes by the defense (Washington) and special teams (Green Bay). Simms is correct. All the glaring issues he faced last season were byproducts of a young quarterback trying to do too much in a bad situation. The Bears spent the past several months addressing those issues. Ben Johnson's arrival alone should make life much easier. If the offensive line reaches even top 15 territory, Caleb Williams will lift off.
