There’s reputable optimism in Chicago concerning the Bears coming into the 2024 season, and it is largely thanks to at least one man: rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Bears, regardless of being one of many NFL’s oldest franchises, have by no means had a no-doubt, all-time nice at quarterback. Certain, Sid Luckman is within the Corridor of Fame, however that was a special sport, as evidenced by a profession completion proportion of underneath 52% with 137 touchdowns to only 132 interceptions.
That Chicago has by no means had a quarterback throw for 4,000 yards in a season — there have been 29 4,000-yard passers over the past three seasons — is possibly probably the most incomprehensible stats within the trendy NFL. So, yeah, when the Bears take an uber-talented participant like Williams with the No. 1 choose within the draft, it is going to generate some hope.
Other than the final banana-in-the-tailpipe vibe that has anchored Chicago Bears soccer for the higher a part of the final 30 years, the Williams hype feels a bit extreme largely due to the state of affairs. Rookie quarterbacks are inclined to battle. That is nothing new, and it is unwise to consider Williams and the Bears will not endure rising pains.
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NESN.com’s Ricky Doyle and Mike Cole mentioned it this week on “The Unfold,” NESN’s soccer picks podcast.
“Do I believe Caleb Williams is completely different than most rookie quarterbacks? Sure. A part of that’s as a result of he is touchdown in a lot softer touchdown spot than numerous rookie quarterbacks do,” Doyle mentioned of their Week 1 preview. “However from a betting standpoint, the standard first-year quarterback arch is you battle early, you discover your stride and have a late-season dip. I am not satisfied he is proof against that.”
It would not be shocking if the Tennessee Titans current a troublesome check for Williams and the Bears within the opener. The Bears had been 4.5-point favorites earlier within the week, a quantity that was down to three.5 on Friday, maybe an indication bettors had been backing off Williams and the Bears.
That would additionally say one thing concerning the Titans, who noticed their very own younger quarterback, Will Levis, battle in Yr 1. New-look Tennesssee goes to be motivated to begin the Brian Callahan period on a excessive observe, too.
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“I like what they’ve completed to construct round Levis,” Cole mentioned. “If Levis sucks, he sucks, and there is nothing he can do about that. However they’ve gone out of their means to enhance his state of affairs yr over yr.”
Both means, this is among the uncommon instances this season the Titans may have the expertise benefit over their opponent.
“That is only a robust spot should you’re Caleb Williams to begin your profession,” Doyle argued. “The expectations couldn’t be any greater for this Bears staff in Week 1. I believe they battle somewhat bit.”
It would not get any simpler for the Bears after their Week 1 dwelling tilt with the Titans. They’re going to observe that up with consecutive highway video games in Houston and Indianapolis, respectively, earlier than internet hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Discipline.
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