Only the Chicago Bears fan base could find a million ways to criticize a rookie quarterback like Caleb Williams.
It's what we do best, though, right? When a fan base has long been starved for a true franchise quarterback, it seems the very definition of what that looks like is often lost. The Bears' drafting of Caleb Williams changed everything, or at least, it was supposed to.
The fan base could now understand what it's like to see the real deal, while also understanding that greatness may take a little time to develop. But, that hasn't exactly been the case. Williams' rookie season has been marred by a horrrific offensive line leading to his now holding the record for most sacks taken in a Bears season, ever.
Williams has been through significant coaching changes, too, in just his first season. His head coach and offensive coordinator have been fired. He's had multiple play callers this year. He's had to endure poor and inexperienced game time management from more than one coach.
The drops have come aplenty, too, which seems only something Chicago could do to wide receivers (hello, Keenan Allen?).
This has led Williams to what some might call a disappointing rookie campaign, considering the state of the franchise and only four wins on the year. However, it's extremely difficult to evaluate Williams' season, and one former Bears All Pro agrees.
Olin Kreutz believes it is impossible to evaluate Caleb Williams' rookie season
Olin Kreutz spent 13 seasons with the Bears and saw his fair share of incompetent offensive play and coaching while being one of the best interior offensive linemen of his era. In a recent interview on 670 The Score, Kreutz detailed why it is impossible to evaluate Williams this year.
"He makes great plays, throws the ball well, looks like he's leading his football team. He's competing every week. But, as far as evaluating Caleb Williams this year ... no chance. I got no chance to evaluate what he's being told in those meeting rooms," the former All Pro center said.
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It's nice to hear a former player (who was a great player, at that) discuss what's painfully obvious to the level-headed fan. Williams has indeed shown what it takes to be a franchise passer. He's had some fantastic moments and clearly knows how to lead, especially in crunch time.
But, on the other hand, he's been crippled as a rookie.
"It's just been a crazy year and to try and evaluate a young quarterback after all he's been through ... I feel like I've watched four or five different offenses this year, when I turn the film on," Kreutz noted. "So, no chance I'd have to evaluate Caleb Williams."
Kreutz detailed just how crazy a season it's been for Williams and, if you've been paying attention, this isn't normal for a rookie first-round quarterback.
Oh, unless you're a Bear, then it could be classified as "right on par."
Williams has made plays when it counts. He's limited turning the football over and taken great care of the ball when in his hands. There are a ton of positives to take away from his season, but the Bears clearly have problems that stem deep.
If Chicago can get the head coaching hire right, finally (among other pressing needs), then we'll start to see more of what Williams is capable of.