While Chicago Bears fans are over the moon about rising star quarterback Caleb Williams, others are waiting for him to reach his full potential.
A hot topic around the NFL is Williams appearing on Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby's show, "The Rush with Maxx Crosby," to spend over an hour talking about multiple topics. While Crosby gave his flowers to Williams, ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick had some advice for Williams if he wants to make the "jump" from good to elite, with expectations being that it'll happen in 2026.
"The jump they are expecting him to make is the efficiency and the consistency by which he plays," Riddick said on ESPN's NFL Live. "Look, you cannot be last in the NFL in completion percentage. You cannot be a sub 60% thrower. You cannot be last in the NFL in CPOE completion percentage above expected meaning missing throws that are wide open there for you to make and then make these kind of plays. Obviously, these kind of plays on your screen are incredible, but in order to really make a jump and be put into the top 10 and to the elite category and he was like 16th in QBR this year so right at the halfway point. In order to do that, he just has to be more efficient. Make the throws that are there to be made. Make the routine plays routinely as Mike Tomlin likes to say and sprinkle in those exceptional plays, and he will get everything that he wants. The Bears will get everything they want in terms of elite quarterback play."
Louis Riddick got honest about Caleb Williams
The accuracy issues with Williams are a big topic around NFL media circles, as everyone knows he can be great, but that one aspect of his game is holding him back from being one of the best. Last year, Williams completed only 58% of his passes, 4% lower than in his rookie season in 2024.
Williams was able to cover it up by leading his team to the playoffs at 11-6 and winning the division while breaking the franchise record for passing yards in a season with 3,942 and throwing only seven interceptions in 17 games. Scoring 30 total touchdowns during the season is also pretty good, but everyone is held up on the accuracy.
Read more: Caleb Williams' answer on waiting for 2026 season is music to Bears fans' ears
There's a lot of work to do with Williams this offseason, but everyone can feel he is about to do something special in 2026.