Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams Responds to Training Camp Criticism, Focuses on Accuracy and Growth Amid Rookie Season NFL Expectations and Pressure
As the top overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams entered Chicago Bears training camp with an extraordinary spotlight shining on him. The former USC star and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner arrived with franchise-saving expectations resting squarely on his shoulders. But as pads came on and practices intensified, so did the public scrutiny.
Williams has experienced a mix of highlights and hiccups—gorgeous deep balls followed by mistimed slants, impressive command of the huddle followed by missed reads. His accuracy and overall readiness have drawn headlines, and not all of them have been flattering.
But this week, in his most candid media appearance since the start of training camp, Williams directly addressed the growing chatter around his development, his accuracy, and his readiness to lead a historic but long-suffering franchise.
“I know the expectations. I welcome them,” Williams said after Tuesday’s padded practice. “But I’m not worried about outside noise. I’m here to grow, to learn, and to help build something in Chicago.”
Adjusting to NFL Speed: The Reality of a Rookie
Williams’ path into the NFL was paved with creativity, explosive plays, and improvisation at USC. However, the NFL is a different animal. Defenders are faster, schemes more complex, and throwing windows far tighter than in the Pac-12.
During the first two weeks of training camp, Williams has shown clear flashes of his potential. His arm talent remains elite, and when in rhythm, he delivers darts to all three levels of the field. But inconsistency has crept in—especially with timing routes and short throws. Some have sailed high, others have been behind intended receivers.
“Timing is everything in this league,” said Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. “Caleb has the tools, but we’re refining the mechanics and syncing it all up with the play design and footwork. The progress has been steady.”
The coaching staff has emphasized footwork and base mechanics in their work with Williams. They believe that as he continues to internalize the speed of the NFL game, his accuracy will sharpen.
Responding to Criticism With Maturity and Resolve
Rather than deflect or become defensive, Williams addressed his critics with poise. When asked about his early inconsistencies and media reactions, he was blunt.
“I’m not going to be perfect right now,” he said. “I’m still learning. But every rep I take, I’m getting better. Every day, I’m stacking progress.”
That progress is evident in team drills. While he struggled early on in red-zone sessions, Williams has begun to display better touch on fade routes and greater anticipation on underneath concepts. In Sunday’s scrimmage, he led a 70-yard scoring drive, finishing with a 12-yard touchdown strike to tight end Cole Kmet on a perfectly placed seam throw between two defenders.
Veteran wide receiver DJ Moore praised Williams’ response to adversity.
“He’s been locked in,” Moore said. “There’s been good days and rough moments, but he doesn’t get too high or too low. He’s got the mindset of a winner.”
Accuracy in Focus: From Flashy to Fundamentals
Accuracy has been the primary talking point among fans and analysts watching Bears camp. While Williams made a name for himself in college with improvisational magic and highlight-reel throws, the Bears coaching staff wants to ensure he masters the fundamentals first.
Quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph has been instrumental in that development.
“We’re helping him tighten up the little things—base width, release angles, situational footwork,” Joseph said. “When those become second nature, the accuracy follows.”
Williams’ greatest strides so far have come in his ability to reset his feet under pressure. In recent 11-on-11s, he’s shown improved composure in collapsing pockets, stepping up rather than drifting backward—an area of concern from his USC tape.
“In college, I could buy time forever,” Williams said with a grin. “Here, you’ve got 2.5 seconds—or less. I’m adjusting. It’s about trust and anticipation.”
The Locker Room Response: Full Support
Despite external criticism, Williams continues to earn full support from teammates and coaches. Inside Halas Hall, there’s no panic—just a shared understanding that growth takes time, especially for a rookie quarterback.
Veteran offensive lineman Teven Jenkins said Williams has shown leadership qualities that extend beyond Xs and Os.
“He’s not just here to throw the ball—he’s here to lead,” Jenkins said. “He listens, he motivates, and he owns up to his mistakes. That’s real leadership.”
Running back D’Andre Swift, one of Chicago’s top free-agent additions, said Williams’ attention to detail in meetings and walk-throughs is setting the tone for the offense.
“He’s got a coach’s mindset already,” Swift said. “He wants to understand the why behind every read, every check.”
Defensive Challenge: Sharpening Steel With Steel
If Williams looks frustrated at times during practice, it might be because he’s going up against one of the most improved defensive units in the league. With a secondary led by Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, and a front featuring Montez Sweat and the returning Tremaine Edmunds, Williams is facing top-tier competition daily.
“Nothing’s easy against that group,” Waldron said. “But that’s exactly what we want. He’s being challenged on every snap.”
Johnson, who intercepted Williams twice during Week 1 practices, offered praise for the rookie’s resilience.
“He doesn’t sulk. He doesn’t run. He keeps coming,” Johnson said. “You love to see that. That’s what makes good quarterbacks great.”
Learning From Mistakes: One Snap at a Time
What separates promising young quarterbacks from franchise stars is the ability to learn from mistakes—and avoid repeating them. Williams has embraced that mindset, spending extra time in film sessions with coaches and receivers, refining timing and communication.
He’s also approached veteran backup Tyson Bagent and third-stringer Brett Rypien for guidance. Bagent said Williams has handled everything like a pro.
“He wants to be coached,” Bagent said. “He asks questions, listens, and applies it. That’s rare for a guy with that much talent.”
Public Expectations vs. Internal Growth
Outside the Bears’ facility, expectations for Williams are sky-high. Chicago hasn’t had a true franchise quarterback in generations, and fans are eager—if not impatient—for a turnaround.
But inside the team facility, the tone is more measured.
“We’re not rushing him,” head coach Matt Eberflus said. “We’re building this the right way. He’ll be ready when he’s ready—and he’s progressing fast.”
General Manager Ryan Poles echoed that sentiment, noting that they expected early ups and downs but have full belief in Williams’ long-term trajectory.
“He’s wired the right way,” Poles said. “He’s working at it every day. We believe he’s going to be special.”
What’s Next: Preseason and Beyond
The Bears will kick off preseason action next week against the Indianapolis Colts, and Williams is expected to play at least two series. It will mark his first live action against a non-Chicago opponent—and a critical evaluation point for coaches and fans alike.
Waldron said the plan is to keep the scheme relatively simple to let Williams operate with confidence.
“We want to see command of the offense, timing, poise,” he said. “The rest will follow.”
If Williams continues to stack strong practices, it’s expected that he’ll start Week 1 of the regular season. Until then, every snap, every throw, and every media moment will continue to be magnified.
Caleb Williams isn’t just learning to play quarterback in the NFL—he’s learning how to carry a city’s hopes, answer critics, and grow into a leadership role before ever taking a regular-season snap.
But so far, he’s showing the tools, the mindset, and the resolve that made him the No. 1 pick in the first place.
“This is only the beginning,” Williams said. “It’s a long journey. And I’m just getting started.”
The criticism will continue. So will the spotlight. But if his early approach is any indication, Caleb Williams is prepared to meet the moment—and perhaps become the player Chicago has long waited for.
