ESPN's Jeremy Fowler claims Chicago Bears are treating Caleb Williams 'like a rookie right now'

by: Sam Gillenwater 13 minutes ago samdg_33

QB Caleb Williams is entering his second season in the NFL. That said, with the changes this offseason in Chicago, he’s apparently working like he’s again entering his first.

‘Get Up’ discussed Williams’ ongoing development with the Bears on Thursday morning. With that, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted how Chicago, now coached by Ben Johnson, have taken steps back with Williams to get back to the foundational parts of his game, with Fowler describing it almost as though he’s re-entering his rookie year with this new coaching staff.

“You mentioned deconstruction? That’s exactly right,” said Fowler. “Ben Johnson has been relentless on him with the details. They’re just trying to get him to do the basics right now and then they’ll work on, you know, the off-scripted plays, the mobility, all his strengths. That will come. Now, Chicago Bears elite quarterback play is an oxymoron. It’s always been that way. But, as far as the ability? They see it. Like, the players recognize it. They’ve just got to get it out of him…Ben Johnson is like – just, you know, how to take a three-step drop. You know, all the basics.”

“Like, they are treating him like a rookie right now,” Fowler said.

Williams was fine for the most part in his play last season for Chicago after being the No. 1 pick. He posted 62.5% completion for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Again, not bad, especially as far as this franchise’s quarterbacks go, but not at the expectation many had of the top overall pick of the draft coming in, namely with the Bears going 5-12 overall leading to the firings of Matt Eberflus and, with their handling of him on one of the worst offenses in the league, OC Shane Waldron.

Now, coached by Johnson and OC Declan Doyle, Williams has high expectations for him again going into his second year. ESPN’s Damien Woody wants to see him live up to that now, both on and off the field for Chicago.

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