On the Rich Eisen Show, Kurt Warner offered a measured evaluation of where the Chicago Bears quarterback stands right now.
The Hall of Famer was not reacting to a single highlight or box score, but to a broader shift in how the offense is being run. Warner's comments focused less on raw talent and more on responsibility, usage, and the mental load being placed on the quarterback. In doing so, he framed the recent progress as a product of structure rather than a sudden transformation.
A Shift in Responsibility, Not Expectations
Warner was critical of Williams earlier this month, citing his need to improve efficiency. Warner hasn't let up on that front, but acknowledged that Caleb's responsibilities have shifted and released him from the weight of the franchise. 2024 saw Williams expected to win games throwing the ball, whereas this year, Williams is likely to execute in critical moments and not hold the entire team up himself.
"“They’re not dropping back and asking him to throw it 35 times a game and make every play. They’re asking him to make some situational plays throughout a game, and then create, buy a little bit of time, do the special things that you do. And that’s enough right now. We don’t need you to carry this football team.”"Kurt Warner
Warner pointed out a deliberate change in how the Bears utilize their quarterback, and he noted the stress reduction has resulted in much more confident football. Ben Johnson's offense has shown a more clever approach to football, and as a result, the Bears have been employing an improved offensive scheme.
"“That’s taken a huge weight off of Caleb’s shoulders and allowed him to play more free and more confident.”"Kurt Warner
The results of this shift in the young quarterback were immediately apparent early in the season. As the weeks went by, it was clear that Williams' accuracy had become an issue. But the big thing you can see is that he's executing the big plays when they matter.
As we enter the final weeks of the season, it looks unlikely that Williams will have what it takes to give Chicago its first 4,000 passing yard season, but it's not impossible. At 3,400 yards going into week 17, with two games remaining, Williams would need to throw 300 yards apiece. Going up against the 49ers and the Lions doesn't seem like an ideal matchup to gain 600 yards, but stranger things have happened.
If Williams can continue to succeed in the places that head coach Ben Johnson has designed for him, the Bears are in contention for the 1-seed. If the Bears win both remaining regular season games and the Seahawks lose another, the Bears will secure the NFC.
Read more: A way too early look at Bears' Week 17 SNF test against 49ers
While it may seem like a pipe dream for Chicago, we never expected them to be this good this fast, and they've proven everyone wrong this year.