It is impossible to see any argument against Caleb Williams being under the most pressure when the Chicago Bears kick off Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Putting aside all of the new additions, you cannot allow J.J. McCarthy to come in and beat you in his debut when you've had the benefit of playing a full season. Getting beat by a player who missed all of 2024 with an injury and was selected three quarterbacks after Chicago's franchise answer.
The game is not only important to set the tone for the Bears' 2025 season, but also for the quarterback. Getting beaten on your home turf by a rookie who lacks your talent is a giant red flag to start the season. Williams needs to be locked in from the first drive and give the Bears early breathing room, shifting the pressure on the new starter to make plays and deal with a rebuilt Chicago defense.
Bears QB Caleb Williams Facing the Most Pressure in Week 1
Adding to the reasons that Williams is under fire is the newly built offensive line and the former rival OC who is now leading the way for the Bears. Ben Johnson has provided the needed leadership, and the franchise quarterback has all of the required weapons to make the offense one of the league's more consistent units. Struggling in Week 1 is going to be a reflection on Caleb and an invitation for hot take shows to flame the quarterback for the next week.
While the latter isn't truly a problem when it comes to Chicago's future, it is an unneeded distraction in today's sports media. Staying out of the crosshairs is ideal not only for Williams but the rest of the Bears' offense that would be forced to answer a week of questions about their belief in the quarterback. Add in the odd extension for Tyson Bagent, and the reasons keep rolling in for the signal caller to get off to a hot start.
Bagent has been consistently talked up by Johnson, and it seems that this was done with a purpose. The head coach is not only building up the confidence of a backup who has made impressive strides, but sending a message to his starting quarterback. One that shows how much growth is still required and why Williams cannot afford to take any focus off the 2025 season.
This starts in Week 1 with a very winnable game against a quarterback with zero experience. Add in the lack of Jordan Addison and health questions around Justin Jefferson, and this is going to be an undeniably upsetting loss if Williams isn't able to get the job done. The only way that this plays out without the quarterback in the crosshairs is if he plays well and the rebuilt defense isn't as productive as expected.
Regardless, there is no denying the pressure on Williams heading into Monday night's game. The expectation to be great from the start after an uneven rookie season has left reason to wonder whether Williams is going to take the next step, or let the moment get in his head.