There’s authentic optimism in Chicago concerning the Bears getting into the 2024 season, and it is largely thanks to 1 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 distinct sport, as evidenced by a profession completion share of beneath 52% with 137 touchdowns to simply 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 perhaps one of the 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’ll 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 scenario. 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 loads of 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 resistant to that.”
It would not be stunning if the Tennessee Titans current a tricky take a look at 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 be aware, too.
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“I like what they’ve performed 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 manner to enhance his scenario 12 months over 12 months.”
Both manner, this is likely one of the uncommon instances this season the Titans can have the expertise benefit over their opponent.
“That is only a powerful spot for those who’re Caleb Williams to begin your profession,” Doyle argued. “The expectations couldn’t be any greater for this Bears workforce in Week 1. I believe they battle just a little bit.”
It does not get any simpler for the Bears after their Week 1 house tilt with the Titans. They will comply with that up with consecutive street video games in Houston and Indianapolis, respectively, earlier than internet hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Subject.
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