Bears Offensive Practice Called a ‘Disaster’ as Questions Swirl Around Caleb Williams’ Year 2 Leap Amid Growing Pressure in Chicago

When the Chicago Bears drafted Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it was supposed to mark the dawn of a new era in the Windy City—a franchise historically plagued by offensive ineptitude was finally putting its faith in a generational quarterback talent. But as the 2025 season inches closer, things aren’t going exactly to plan.

On a recent episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the topic of the Bears’ offensive struggles in training camp took center stage, with some calling their practice sessions “a disaster.” With Williams entering his second season and expectations mounting, fans and analysts alike are asking the same pressing question: Can Caleb Williams take the leap in Year 2, or is Chicago’s long-standing quarterback curse rearing its head once again?

A Rough Start to Training Camp

Reports out of Halas Hall have not been kind to the Bears’ offense. According to multiple insiders, including NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, the offense has looked disjointed, sluggish, and plagued by miscommunication. Caleb Williams has flashed his trademark arm strength and mobility, but consistency has been sorely lacking.

Cowherd didn’t mince words either, saying:

“From what I’ve heard, Chicago’s offensive practices have been a mess. Caleb is talented, but the situation around him doesn’t feel stable. That’s dangerous for a second-year QB.”

This sentiment is echoed by onlookers who’ve seen poorly timed throws, dropped passes, protection issues, and difficulty sustaining drives during live reps. The chemistry between Williams and his receivers—especially prized rookie Rome Odunze and veteran D.J. Moore—has yet to fully materialize. More troubling is the offensive line, which has shown vulnerability under pressure.

Caleb Williams: The Golden Boy Under Fire

There’s no denying Caleb Williams’ talent. The former Heisman Trophy winner out of USC was hailed as one of the most polished quarterback prospects in a decade, drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers for his creativity, poise, and arm talent.

But development isn’t linear—especially in a city like Chicago, where the scrutiny is constant and the bar for quarterback play is historically low. Williams showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign, but also some troubling tendencies: holding onto the ball too long, trusting his arm in dangerous windows, and struggling to read disguised coverages.

Heading into Year 2, the Bears coaching staff has emphasized improved decision-making and quicker reads. But can that be achieved amid chaos?

The Pressure Cooker in Chicago

Part of the issue may stem from the franchise’s expectations. After a busy offseason where the Bears added veteran talent on both sides of the ball—most notably wideout Keenan Allen and defensive stalwart Montez Sweat—the front office signaled that rebuilding time was over. They want wins now.

And that urgency is creating a volatile mix. Head coach Matt Eberflus is entering what many believe to be a make-or-break year. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, brought in to modernize the attack, is tasked with elevating a unit that finished 28th in passing yards last season.

The burden falls heaviest on Caleb Williams. Fair or not, quarterbacks taken No. 1 overall are expected to elevate their surroundings. But in a league where context is everything, even prodigies can stumble if the infrastructure isn’t there.

What’s Really Going Wrong?

Several key areas stand out:

1. Offensive Line Struggles – The Bears made only minor upgrades to the O-line this offseason, and it shows. Williams has faced pressure on more than 35% of his dropbacks in practice. That not only leads to broken plays but shakes a young quarterback’s internal clock.

2. New Pieces Still Adjusting – Odunze and Allen are still learning Waldron’s scheme. Timing is off, and route discipline is a concern. Chemistry takes time, but the NFL rarely grants it.

3. Coaching Uncertainty – Eberflus is a defensive coach, and Waldron—while bright—has limited success as a play-caller. There’s a fear that Williams might be stuck in a system that doesn’t cater to his improvisational gifts.

4. Media Noise and Fan Expectations – Chicago’s fan base has been burned by quarterback hype before. Every poor throw or bad series by Williams is magnified. That pressure can erode confidence, especially for a young QB trying to find his footing.

Can Caleb Williams Take the Leap?

Despite the noise, there are reasons to believe Williams can still take a significant step forward this season.

For one, he’s shown accountability. After a poor practice last week, he reportedly stayed late working with his receivers. That kind of leadership resonates in the locker room.

Second, he’s healthy and has a full offseason under his belt. Unlike some rookies who are thrown into the fire with limited prep, Williams has had time to study film, learn protections, and master the offense.

Lastly, his raw talent is undeniable. On multiple occasions, he’s dazzled teammates and coaches with throws that few NFL quarterbacks can make—sidearm lasers, on-the-run bombs, and pinpoint accuracy off-platform.

The key for Williams isn’t to become a finished product by Week 1. It’s to make steady progress: reduce the turnovers, improve pocket presence, and trust the system when it works.

Voices from Inside the Locker Room

Veteran wideout D.J. Moore recently voiced support for his quarterback.

“Caleb’s got it. We see it every day. Yeah, camp is messy sometimes—but that’s what it’s for. He’s gonna be just fine.”

Tight end Cole Kmet echoed those sentiments, adding:

“We believe in 1 [Williams]. He takes ownership, he grinds, and he wants to be great. That’s all you can ask.”

That belief matters. Great quarterbacks often emerge not only because of talent but because their teammates rally behind them.

Outlook: Reason for Caution or Confidence?

There’s no sugarcoating it—if the Bears’ offense continues to flounder through August, questions will get louder. But it’s important to remember that training camp often produces more smoke than fire.

Caleb Williams isn’t the first rookie-turned-savior to have a rough camp. Peyton Manning threw 28 interceptions his rookie year. Josh Allen looked lost at times before Year 3. Even Patrick Mahomes sat behind Alex Smith before breaking out.

Development is a process. The real test for Williams will come when the lights are on and the bullets are live. Can he lead a fourth-quarter comeback? Can he outduel Jared Goff in Detroit? Can he go toe-to-toe with Jordan Love in the NFC North?

The Bears believe he can. So does most of the league. But belief must now turn into results.

Calling the Bears’ offensive practice a “disaster” may be hyperbole, but it highlights a real concern: the environment around Caleb Williams is still finding its footing. For a team banking its future on one transcendent player, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

As training camp continues and preseason games begin, the eyes of Chicago—and the entire NFL—will be fixed on QB1. Will he rise above the noise, or will the Bears’ quarterback struggles continue?

One thing is certain: how Caleb Williams responds over the next few weeks may define the trajectory of the Bears franchise for years to come.