As we approach Autumn, one fact is sure about this new edition of the Chicago Bears: they are still struggling to protect quarterback Caleb Williams. If things don't change soon, the Bears may just fail their young quarterback.
Despite a few strong opening drives and a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio (three to one), Williams' playing style is beginning to look eerily similar to last year's due to the frequency of pressure he faces. Just two weeks into the new NFL season, and Williams has already been sacked six times! And four of those sacks came during an ugly 52-21 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions.
What gives with the issues going on with Williams and the Bears' offensive line?
There have already been moments this season where Williams is running for his life after the pocket collapses — yet again. When developing a young quarterback like the Bears are with Williams, you need to keep him upright. If they are constantly trying to scramble out of the pocket and improvise, it eventually becomes detrimental to their development as a quarterback. Instead of learning how to read NFL defensive coverages and expose them, he's just trying to get the ball out as quickly as possible.
If the Bears brass aren't careful, Williams will end up just like other Bears quarterbacks like Mitch Trubisky and Jay Cutler... signal callers who showed promise but struggled due to the mismanagement and offensive line around them.
It's disappointing for Bears fans everywhere, especially when you consider the effort the organization took to overhaul the offensive line to better protect Williams. After signing center Drew Dalman and trading a stash of picks for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, the Bears are spending approximately $59 million on their new-look offensive line with little improvement to show for it.
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While it's only Week 3, if things don't change soon, it's difficult to see Williams get better and the Bears improving their record of 5-12 from last season.