Factors That Could Lead To The Bears Benching Caleb Williams
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said that the team will not make a quarterback change and that Caleb Williams will remain the starter, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This announcement comes a day after Eberflus said that he would be assessing “everything from the top to the bottom” following the Bears disastrous 19-3 loss to the New England Patriots.
Matt Eberflus said the team will not change quarterbacks and Caleb Williams will remain the starter.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 11, 2024
During a November 11th press conference, Eberflus told reporters that he was “in the process” of evaluating all aspects of the team. “There’s got to be a change and adjustment to what we’re doing, but we’re 4-5 and haven’t played our division yet… In the process of getting that done,” Eberflus said. “There will be changes.”
When asked about the status of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, Eberflus did not answer whether or not Waldron will remain with the team, according to The Chicago Sun-Times’ Jason Lieser.
Are the Bears Making the Right Decision?
The immediate response to this question is a resounding “no.” With only five interceptions, Williams is the best ball protector in the NFC North right now. And, through the first ten weeks of the season, the 2024 Bears have a better record than the 2023 squad. Heck, they’re still in the hunt for the playoffs! Still, benching Williams should be something the team considers.
Letting quarterbacks sit has often worked out for other franchises. Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Tony Romo, and Philip Rivers all had to ride the bench early in their careers before taking over their teams. There’s nothing wrong with starting a rookie quarterback, but there are many more examples of those players not working out vs. working out.
Benching Williams will also help his health. Caleb Williams has been sacked 38 times, which leads the NFL and equates to over four sacks a game. At this rate, he’ll finish the year sacked 71 times, five shy of the single-season record. Unfortunately, he’s far more likely to get hurt before hitting the 71-sack mark, which would be catastrophic long-term.
In all likelihood, Matt Eberflus and Shane Waldron will be fired at the end of the year. That means Williams’ career will start the same way Justin Fields’ and Mitchell Trubisky’s did: with two head coaches in his first two seasons. The Bears could break this cursed quarterback cycle if general manager Ryan Poles demands Williams be benched to ensure he’s healthy for next year.
Let’s be honest. The Bears won’t bench Caleb Williams. He will be the starter as long as he is healthy enough to play. But, there are numerous benefits to letting the 22-year-old ride the bench for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.
Read More: Bears’ Identity Crisis: Trapped in a Cycle of Mediocrity
Main Image: Mike Dinovo – USA Today Sports
