There hasn't been a media personality in Chicago or the United States who hasn't talked about how Bears quarterback Caleb Williams needs to have a successful sophomore year in the NFL. That's why he has become the guy to watch during training camp in the Windy City.
The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain joined the beat writers of the publication to discuss one player to watch on each team going into training camp. Williams has his attention for the Bears, but wants to see him show progression in 2025.
"Sure, the left tackle battle between Braxton Jones and rookie Ozzy Trapilo will be a storyline. We’ll watch how wide receiver Rome Odunze looks in Year 2, and how rookies Colston Loveland and Luther Burden step in after missing OTAs. But it’s all about Williams. Over the years, we hear — and, in fairness, echo — the narratives, “Well it’s a veteran defense against a young group learning a new scheme.” At some point, the franchise should see its quarterback dominate camp practices. Maybe there will be understandable growing pains, but everything is supposed to be in place for Williams to thrive."
Williams needs to show progression in 2025 for the belief to be there
Last year's stat line wasn't horrible for Williams in his rookie season: 62.5% completion percentage, 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 17 starts. The concern with him stemmed from being sacked a season-high 68 times and losing 10 fumbles.
Williams got a break from the fan base and the media, as there was a lot happening in 2024. He had to deal with three different offensive play callers, two head coaches, offensive line struggles, a lack of a consistent running game, and an underachieving wide receiver room.
All that has changed for him in 2025 with three new interior offensive linemen, two offensive weapons selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Ben Johnson is taking over as head coach and play caller on offense. The Bears went out of their way to make sure that Williams was taken care of.
Now the pressure meter is high for Williams. There are no more excuses. The bumpers have been taken off the bowling lanes. Williams must produce strikes.
He was the former number one overall pick, and the Bears need to get a return on investment. A Super Bowl isn't necessary for 2025, but somewhere around seven to 10 wins would be nice for Chicago.
This is a franchise that has gone four years without a postseason appearance. They've never had a 4,000-yard passer. Fans and Chicago itself are looking for Williams to become the man they are hoping he can be.
Read more: All signs point to trouble for this Bears veteran heading into camp
The stage is set for a breakout 2025 season for Williams. Can he step up to the plate and hit a home run for Chicago?