Jul 24, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs with the ball during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles recently addressed concerns surrounding quarterback Caleb Williams after a video of the player’s struggles during training camp went viral. The footage, which showed Williams visibly upset after missing throws, raised alarms among fans about his development as a second-year player.
In a discussion with ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Poles expressed a more optimistic view on the situation. “I actually think it’s pretty cool,” he remarked regarding the reaction to the video. He acknowledged that while Williams had a difficult practice, he was surprised by the scale of the concern, stating, “I didn’t know it was a national crisis of Caleb struggling.”
Expectations for Williams’ Development
The Bears have made significant changes this offseason, hiring offensive strategist Ben Johnson as head coach. The organization hopes that Johnson can guide Williams through the challenges he faced during his rookie season, which was marked by inconsistency. Last year, Williams ranked 31st in the NFL with a 46.7 adjusted QBR and a 62.5 percent completion rate, and he suffered a league-high 68 sacks.
Poles hinted at the unrealistic expectations some fans might have, suggesting it was unreasonable to expect Williams to perform like established quarterbacks Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes while adapting to a new offensive scheme for the second consecutive year. He emphasized that Williams’ growth as a quarterback and leader is an ongoing process, stating, “I want it to happen super fast, and I would love for it to look really clean… But what’s reality? It’s going to take time.”
Poles further elaborated on the importance of allowing Williams to face challenges during training. “You want this time to be as hard as possible,” he explained. “When you get to game time, when the lights come on, you want that to then slow down.” This perspective reflects a commitment to Williams’ long-term development rather than immediate results.
Preseason Considerations
As the Bears prepare for their preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins on August 13, 2023, it remains uncertain whether Johnson will field Williams and other key offensive starters. While ensuring that Williams is healthy for the regular season is a priority, some game experience against an opposing defense could be beneficial for his growth.
Poles and the coaching staff appear to be focused on balancing Williams’ health with the need for practical experience. As they navigate this crucial phase in his career, the emphasis remains on fostering a supportive environment for Williams to learn and adapt to the demands of the NFL.
The Bears are betting on the combination of Poles’ leadership and Johnson’s offensive acumen to help Williams realize his potential as a franchise quarterback. The coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping his trajectory as he strives to overcome the hurdles of his early career.
