The Chicago Bears are heading into the summer with the hype around Caleb Williams reaching new levels. Even after Williams became the team's first overall pick, there wasn't the level of expectations and excitement around a player being discussed as one of the top five options at the position in the league. Williams appears to be taking these expectations in stride and not getting too high or low after a great second season saw the first playoff win of the quarterback's career.
With this in mind, let's take a step back and look at realistic goals for a player who is set to take a year three leap, but is still growing as a leader and player. Williams shouldn't be expected to instantly be in the same discussion as Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, but he can take a step in this direction by accomplishing these three goals.
1. Become First Chicago Quarterback to Reach 4,000 Yards
This is an obvious goal that Williams was so close to reaching a season ago, finishing with 3,942 pass yards and a stellar 27 touchdowns to only seven interceptions. Protecting the football at an elite level and taking a leap as a passer, it is clear that this benchmark is well within reach for the Bears and can be a talking point firmly put in the rearview for Chicago.
It is surprising that for such a storied franchise, the Bears remain the only team never to accomplish this goal. Jay Cutler and Erik Kramer both got close, but fittingly, it will be Williams who gets the task done and puts away the discussion that has been held against the Bears when it comes to discussing the team's quarterback history. Even with a stellar rushing attack, Ben Johnson's offense is going to be on the field enough to easily reach this number.
2. Win Back-to-Back NFC North Titles
The last time that Chicago won more than a lone division title was in the 2005 and 2006 seasons, when the franchise would go on an impressive run. Chicago has won only three division titles in the 20 years since winning back-to-back, pointing to the fact that NFC North dominance from the historic franchise is long overdue. Williams is the engine that makes this possible and is clearly the most talented quarterback in the division.
For the Bears, the ultimate goal is obvious, but if Williams is going to be counted among the league's greats, it starts by winning your division. Rivals must fear your presence and understand that your team is likely going to end the season atop the standings. Last year was a step in that direction, with Willians now having a clear path to begin stacking these accomplishments.
3. Win Round One
You cannot go backwards when it comes to playoff accomplishments, and this means matching last year's playoff win total. While the Bears have the talent to go on a Super Bowl run, that isn't changing anytime soon. A round two exit would be respectable if Chicago were to deal with the loaded Los Angeles Rams or have injuries that prevent a deep January run.
However, what you cannot have is a losing playoff record, and Williams going out in round one would hand the quarterback a 1-2 record and plenty of reason for fans to worry about if they are moving in the right direction. Winning it all is very much on the table this season, but the clear floor needs to be a round one win and a great performance from Williams.
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