NFL great Joe Theismann provides his expert insights on Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams' first professional game, highlighting areas of improvement and areas of promise.
NFL legend Joe Theismann offered his critique of Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams' first professional game, highlighting the challenges and opportunities the young signal-caller faces at the professional level.
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, led the Bears to their first victory on Sunday, but his performance did not match the hype surrounding him. The former USC star threw for a meager 93 yards, with the Bears' scoring coming from their defense and special teams.
Joe Theismann Analyzes Caleb Williams' First NFL Game
Theismann, who appeared on OutKick's "The Ricky Cobb Show" on Monday, pointed out several areas where Williams needs to improve.
"Caleb found out you can't run away from defensive linemen at this level, and you can't run around," Theismann said. "He's gonna make great plays. You saw that yesterday. Very talented young man. That's why he was taken No. 1 – because of his talent. But there's such a learning process and such a huge curve that he and all the young guys are gonna have to master. It's baby steps at this point."
Joe Theismann Analyzes Caleb Williams' First NFL Game
Theismann cited Williams' 19-yard sack in the game as a telling example of the difference between college and professional football.
"That was a lot like what you saw at USC except he ran away from people," he said. "When you really look at him in college, probably the best one or two athletes on the field. Now, he's not. You got defensive lineman 250, 260 (pounds), who run as fast as you do and are as quick as you are."
Joe Theismann Analyzes Caleb Williams' First NFL Game
Despite his struggles, Theismann remains confident in Williams' potential.
"He'll learn. He was taken at No. 1 for a reason. He has a lot of talent. Now it's a question of being able to process all of the information, which there is a boatload of."
Williams will have a chance to showcase his progress next Sunday night when the Bears take on the Houston Texans.
