As we enter 2025, it is clear that all eyes will be on second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
ESPN Minnesota Vikings beat reporter Kevin Seifert nominated him as the quarterback with the most to prove when asked in a recent article.
Chicago Bears quarterback has most to prove
"Williams performed well below expectations in 2024, and the Bears were aggressive in giving him a better roster and coaching infrastructure. It's time to find out if he can be a transcendent player."
Seifert also compared Williams and his situation to that of second-year Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has less to prove despite having the same amount of NFL experience. Of course, McCarthy missed his first season due to an injury, so it's easy to lower expectations and also not ramp up the tension. It was not his fault, and not what he did on the field. As a player, we do not know what McCarthy is.
Meanwhile, we saw Williams, and he did not live up to expectations. Now, not only does he have to reset from struggling, but the expectations are for him to really take off this year. Fans and media put a lot of the blame on his coaching structure and the offensive line.
Chicago went out of its way to add the best offensive coach known to be available, Ben Johnson. The move was universally praised, so fans cannot simply blame Johnson if Williams struggles.
The Bears also went out of their way to add multiple new offensive line starters. They may be able to upgrade in four of the five spots.
Read more: Three Bears players no one is talking about going into training camp
So, Williams has experience and should not need time to adjust, even though the surrounding pieces are new. It is fair to think that if he struggled, or even had a slightly substandard season that he would be entering year three with legitimate pressure and questions about what he could become in the NFL.
This is not quite a make-or-break season for Williams, but if Williams does not start to make a name for himself, the questions are going to be much louder at this point next year.