Amid the issues the Chicago Bears have had during their 0-2 start to the season, quarterback Caleb Williams has fallen down the list of culprits after the 52-21 drubbing laid on them by the Detroit Lions in Week 2.
By no means was Williams great against the Lions (19-for-30 for 207 yards, two touchdowns, one interception; five carries for 27 yards). He just wasn't the core issue, as the defense allowed 52 points and more than 500 yards, the run game was not productive and penalties were an issue.
The Bears had -0.46 EPA per carry. Bottom 6th percentile. 29% success rate, too. Add the penalties they had, and it's an impossible situation.
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) September 14, 2025
9 plays with 15+ yards to go. Most in NFL.
Through two games, the Bears run game production outside of what he's accounted for has done Williams no favors. The offensive line has also not been particularly good in that (or any) facet thus far.
Of all the teams that have played 2 games, Chicago's running backs rank dead last in both EPA/carry and success rate right now.
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 15, 2025
Caleb Williams has a get-right opportunity he must seize in Week 3
Looking ahead to Week 3, Williams is on a list of six players who are under the most pressure from Bleacher Report's Alex Kay,
"Williams has posted a relatively pedestrian passing stat line, averaging a 61.5 completion percentage with 417 yards and three touchdowns against one interception and six sacks. Chicago's offense rates league-average in both yardage and points scored on the season. That won't be good enough to turn this squad into a contender, especially with the defense allowing an NFL-worst 39.5 points per game this year."
When it comes down to it, the Bears' defense has allowed 73 points over the last five quarters. And with NFL insider Jordan Schultz reporting cornerback Jaylon Johnson (groin) is likely out for the season, the offense needs to get on track post-haste.
Kay revealed where Williams has a get-right opportunity in Week 3.
"If Williams can't get it going in Week 3 against a Dallas Cowboys defense that just gave up 37 points to the lowly New York Giants, this could be an extremely trying season in the Windy City."
In Week 2, the Cowboys' defense made Giants' quarterback Russell Wilson look better than he has in years (30-for-41 for 450 yards and three touchdowns). Ian Hartitz of Fantasy Life also noted how, with two games left to be played in Week 2 at that point, Dallas is the only team in the league that's top-five in offensive EPA per play and bottom-five in defensive EPA allowed per play.
A bad and injury-thinned defense won't make it easy to get a win next Sunday. But Williams is lined up for success against a just as feeble Cowboys' defense, with the extra layer of that unit being guided by former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.
Read more: Caleb Williams has message for whoever is ready to write the Bears off for 2025
If Williams doesn't have a nice outing in Week 3, regardless of a win or a loss for the Bears, he will be back at or near the top of the list of concerns in Chicago.