Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has had a rollercoaster season. While his stats appear solid at first glance, there have been concerning issues throughout the year. Notably, struggles with mid-to-deep throw accuracy and questionable sideline body language have raised eyebrows. However, one aspect that had never been doubted—until recently—was his work ethic.
This changed last week when two NFL voices brought up concerns. First, Barstool Sports’ Will Compton, co-host of the popular podcast Bussin’ with the Boys, shared surprising details with fellow Barstool personality and Bears fan Big Cat. Compton, using unnamed sources, suggested Williams struggles with details in practice.
“Just from what I have heard,” Compton said, “practice, [the] false starts on the quarterback because he doesn’t know the snap count. Not being able to alert when a safety comes down and you have a run play.”
.@_willcompton’s sources might have actually been onto something with Caleb Williams@PFFShow sponsored by @Draftkings #DKPartner pic.twitter.com/fAMCorCiSb
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 28, 2024
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Compton revealed only part of the information, insinuating the rest was better left off-air, leaving fans speculating about what else might be going on with Caleb Williams.
Kirk Herbstreit’s recent remarks add fuel to the fire.
Adding to the intrigue, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit chimed in during the Bears-Seahawks Thursday night game. Midway through the third quarter, Herbstreit made an odd remark about Caleb Williams.
“I think the thing that remains to be seen — and only time will tell — is if he understands what it takes to be an NFL quarterback as far as the preparation, as far as first guy there, last guy leaving. And I’m not suggesting he’s not doing those things, but just all of those little things that really make the great quarterbacks special.”
"I think the thing that remains to be seen — and only time will tell — is if he understands what it takes to be an NFL quarterback as far as the preparation, as far as first guy there, last guy leaving. And I'm not suggesting he's not doing those things, but just all of those… pic.twitter.com/nhGzz3mfKC
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 27, 2024
While Herbstreit claimed he wasn’t implying anything negative nor has he heard such rumors, bringing up a topic like this on a national broadcast inevitably plants seeds of doubt. Was this simply filler commentary, or is Herbstreit hearing the same rumors as Compton?
Kirk Herbstreit suggested that it’s still uncertain whether Caleb Williams can handle the preparation and be the first one in and the last one out type of guy. Then he noted that he hasn’t heard anything to suggest Williams isn’t that type of player.
So why bring it up at all?
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 27, 2024
So far, there’s been no indication from Halas Hall that Williams lacks work ethic, but where there’s smoke, there’s often fire. For the Bears sake, let’s hope these claims are baseless rumors. Time will tell whether these comments fade or become a larger narrative around Caleb Williams career. Either way, add this to the growing list of reasons why Bears fans will want to forget the 2024 season in a hurry.
After watching many games this year I think the Bears drafted the 4th or 5th best QB with the first pick. Penix Jr looking great now that he’s starting, Daniel’s has had a strong season. Drake Maye is getting better each game. Bo Nix has thrown for 3400+ yards….The Bears bought the hype and it’s starting to show. By this time next year CW will be considered a bust for a first pick. Average to slightly above average at best. Generational? Don’t think so. The same was said about Trevor Lawrence. What’s he done so far? In 3 years the… Read more »
@BearCub30 @Arnie Going off on bad writing (I’m not going to justify it as “reporting”), is entirely justified. These people doing podcasts, writers like Erik Lambert, find it easier (cheaper and less work) to “surmise,” “suppose,” “imply,” rather than look for real reasons, possible solutions, and identifying problems. I’ll admit that it’s easier for someone who has worked in news, to recognize news, reporting and bullshit, but you also don’t need to be a professional driver to recognize good, or bad driving. For Lambert, he has to release a certain number of pieces in SM per day to justify the… Read more »
I’m not suggesting anything, but someone in the Deep State (Washington D.C.) told me that he heard from a good source (which he can’t name until the astronauts are safely back on earth and away from the people Manning drones in NJ, that Caleb has a secret twin brother who actually showed up on the Bears team to undermine Matt Eberflus and Shane Waldron. Caleb actually changed his appearance and looks very similar to Jayden Daniels and the two of them are rotating plays in Washington to make Kliff Kingsbury look like a head coach. Now, this isn’t official, and… Read more »
@bluridge There is exactly no one here who ever once suggested the Bears should trade back and draft Bo Nix as their QB of the future later in the first round. There were a few who threw his name out there if the Bears could draft him in like th 3rd round or later. That’s like saying that the Bears screwed up by not drafting Montana, Favre, Brady, etc and every other QB that turned out to be good after the entire league passed on them, some multiple times.
@Bears24 yeah we coulda had Alt and Nix but you forgot to add that we would have had the haul ( 2 firsts and 2 seconds) in addition to them. But that might be too low compensation for trading the rights to the greatest generational talent since Andrew Luck.