House of Dysfunction, Part I: The Curious Case of Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' rookie quarterback, struggled to replicate his dynamic college playing style in the NFL during the 2024 season. While he was known for his electrifying escapes and creativity in college, his professional performance was marked by inconsistency and a lack of signature plays, despite high expectations following his selection as the No. 1 overall pick.

A notable incident occurred on December 26 during a game against the Seattle Seahawks, where Williams openly defied interim head coach Thomas Brown. After Brown attempted to address him during a timeout, Williams turned away and walked off, prompting Brown to angrily demand he return. Williams ignored the command and proceeded to the huddle, highlighting a pattern of disrespect toward coaches throughout the season.

Early signs of trouble emerged during offseason activities, where Williams had difficulty executing basic tasks. The Bears altered their offensive strategies to accommodate him, including simplifying the snap count to a "Ready, set, go!" system at his request, which drew criticism from veterans and raised concerns about setting a problematic precedent.

Williams further demonstrated a lack of commitment by frequently miscommunicating plays, lining players up incorrectly, and showing minimal engagement in meetings and film sessions. Despite these issues, the team named him a captain, underscoring the disconnect between his perceived potential and his actual performance and attitude.

The Bears finished the season with a 5-12 record, with Williams' behavior and on-field struggles symbolizing the team's broader challenges and failures throughout the year.