Life comes at you fast in the NFL. It only feels like yesterday that Chicago Bears fans took victory laps over the Green Bay Packers for successfully winning another offseason.
They had just drafted Caleb Williams, who entered the league in the best situation of any rookie quarterback in history. Or so Bears fans told us. How could he not make a dominant start to his career with a supporting cast that included DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze?
Well, well, well. It's officially Packers-Bears week, and the story has changed significantly. Williams hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in the past three games, and the Bears hit a new low in an embarrassing loss to the New England Patriots.
Dare I say it? Williams' numbers show some similarities to Bryce Young's from last season. He isn't turning the ball over often, but it's coming at the expense of big plays and points. At his current per-game average, Williams is on pace to complete 60.5 percent of his passes for 3,371 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
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While the Packers have spent their bye week self-scouting and preparing for a huge NFC North battle, the Bears could be on the verge of big changes.
Adam Schefter adds fuel to possible Caleb Williams benching vs. Packers
Imagine saying three months ago that the Bears could bench Williams before playing the Packers for the first time. It still seems like a long shot, but ESPN's Adam Schefter believes it's on the table. He had some fascinating comments on Monday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show.
"I don't know if they've decided on anything right now. I don't know what they'll ultimately wind up doing," Schefter said. "I would expect that there will be some sort of change in Chicago on the offensive side of the football. Is that changing the play-caller? Is that changing the quarterback and benching Caleb Williams for Tyson Bagent? I think all of these things are being discussed."
Wow. What a mess.
But it might not be the worst idea. Williams has taken 15 sacks in the past two games behind one of the league's worst offensive lines. Yes—fifteen. Even the Packers' struggling pass rush has to love the sound of that. Rule number one to help a young quarterback? Protect him.
For perspective, Williams has been sacked more times in the past two weeks than Jordan Love in his previous 12 games. That's how you protect your young quarterback.
Would the Bears dare bench Williams ahead of this game? With their season effectively on the line?
Usually, teams are fully focused on their next opponent and begin game-planning early in the week. The Bears don't even know who their starting quarterback is. Who will call plays? Meanwhile, the Packers have already spent the past week preparing for the Bears.
Green Bay has a chance to end Chicago's season.