Part of the Chicago Bears' frustrating 0-2 start has been a lack of the expected growth for Caleb Williams. There was a sense of belief that head coach Ben Johnson would have an instant impact in turning around the career of the incredibly promising prospect. However, two games into the season, and it has been more of the same. It isn't as if Williams has played consistently awful or hasn't continued to show an incredible ceiling. Rather, the lack of consistency from his rookie year has remained present.
Williams has completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 417 yards through two games this season. The issue is the fact that a large chunk of this production came in garbage time in a blowout loss to the Lions. There hasn't yet been a complete game from the signal caller, but moments of high highs followed by incredibly frustrating lows. However, it is far too early for fans to panic or to give up on a quarterback who has all of the needed tools.
Bears Fans Shouldn't Panic Despite Caleb Williams Slow Start
Johnson's system took time to work in Detroit and is going to need a moment to sink in for the second-year starter. The talent remains immense with the needed arm and decision-making to become one of the league's top franchise quarterbacks. The question here isn't whether the ability is there, but rather how long it will take for Johnson's system to take root and whether or not Williams is willing to put in the work. A question that was raised before the season, with what really felt like a hit piece on the quarterback.
Regardless, now isn't the time to panic with a long season ahead and Johnson having plenty of time to build his vision. Williams has looked more comfortable passing from the pocket and appeared more willing to hang in past his first read. This is a positive sign that directly points to a coaching staff heavily invested in the star quarterback.
Making it clear that even the slow start shouldn't yet discourage fans. It simply is far too small a sample size for a young player who is already on his third head coach in two seasons. A bit of grace should be extended, especially when you watch back both of the first two games and see the stretches put together that show the potential ceiling.
If Williams can simply find a way to play a complete game this week against Dallas, much of the noise will quiet. Against a struggling defense, it is the perfect opportunity for a breakout game, reminding the league of his talent and pointing out what Bears fans already know: it is still far too early to consider giving up on Williams.