Kurt Warner isn't questioning whether the Bears have a quarterback anymore. On the Rich Eisen Show, his focus shifted to the last remaining separator between promise and permanence: efficiency at the NFL level.
It's an idea that Warner has been hammering at for years, and certainly not just about Caleb Williams. But instead, the star of the Greatest Show on Turf knows a thing or two about what it means to earn your spot playing quarterback. Efficiency at the NFL level can make or break a team, especially one on the brink of the playoffs. But Warner's concerns are not without warrant.
"“There are two or three throws every single week that we pull out and say, ‘Not everybody is doing that.’”"Kurt Warner
Accuracy over Highlights
Williams has demonstrated his ability to perform, particularly in high-leverage situations. It's a large portion of what made him a splash name for himself at USC. Caleb's capacity to extend plays and expand drives is a key reason the Bears drafted him, and this skill set has only strengthened since Ben Johnson took over as head coach. Smarter decisions inside and outside the pocket are critical, and Williams' decision-making has improved immeasurably.
"“All I’m waiting for is the efficiency to get to that NFL level.”"Kurt Warner
Warner is echoing a sentiment that those who pay attention have had on their mind all season. Caleb is playing excellent football, but his accuracy is a concern. Despite holding a 57.9 completion percentage before Week 18, Williams has the potential to be the first Bears quarterback to exceed 4,000 passing yards in a season.
On the season, Williams has logged a 90.3 passer rating, a step up from 87.8 during his rookie campaign. Though this shows measurable improvement, it's not ideal for where the Bears want their franchise QB to be. With the likes of Matt Stafford and Brock Purdy, other NFC playoff quarterbacks who post passer ratings over 100 regularly, Williams still has plenty of room to grow.
"“They have continued to prove things to me, and Caleb continues to prove that he’s got just about everything you’re looking for. He’s exceeded expectations for a second year guy. And if he can get that efficiency piece to go along with the things that we’ve seen him do this year, the incredible throws, the big moments, look out. Look out, league. It’s going to be a fun run to watch these Bears play for years to come.”"Kurt Warner
It may have taken an entire season, but the NFL is finally taking the Bears at least a little seriously. With a serious head coach dedicated to winning not just in the short term, but to building a long-term foundation of success, the Bears are right where they want to be. Nobody could have dreamed this season could have gone so well, but it's not been without its own hiccups.
Read more: Ben Johnson's 6-word answer is exactly what Bears fans wanted to hear for Week 18
For all the flashes and fireworks, the Bears' ceiling will ultimately be determined by how often Williams wins from the pocket, on schedule, and on time. That is the final step Warner keeps circling, and it's the difference between being exciting and being inevitable.