Nick Saban serves Bears HC warning over Caleb Williams, throws up Peyton Manning example on QB development
Caleb Williams has been projected to be the consensus first-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft for the last two years. The Chicago Bears didn't complicate the situation and drafted the USC quarterback after trading away Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Williams won a Heisman Trophy in college and enters the NFL with high expectations. His play style is quite similar to Patrick Mahomes and has all the tools required to become a great quarterback.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus recently met with former Alabama head coach Nick Saban to discuss the rookie quarterback. Saban advised Eberflus that high expectations can be detrimental for rookie quarterbacks. Using the example of Peyton Manning's rookie season, he emphasized the importance of focusing on the development of the Bears quarterback. Saban said:
“Here’s my theory on why NFL quarterbacks fail at a dramatic rate. To me, expectations are a killer. This kid you got, this kid’s got so much media, so much hype, so much expectation on doing well. He has to develop so quickly to meet the expectations that everybody has for him. It’s almost impossible.
"The expectations are a killer. Yet, development is the key for him. Peyton Manning threw 28 interceptions when he was a rookie. It’s the most in the history of all. But it didn’t affect him. Just like the scoreboard. Scoreboard don’t mean anything until the game’s over.”
In his rookie season, Manning threw for 3,739 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions in 16 games with a passer rating of 71.2. There is no doubt that Williams will make a lot of spectacular plays during his rookie season; however, due to his playstyle, he might throw a lot of interceptions.
Eberflus and the Bears should view their quarterback as a work in progress. As evidenced by Mahomes' career, explosive quarterbacks will eventually learn to play safer football over time.
Bears have put Caleb Williams in a position to be successful
Many believe that Justin Fields was set up for failure by the Chicago Bears. However, the franchise has rectified its mistakes and has done great work in putting talent around the new quarterback.
Caleb Williams will have the luxury of throwing the ball to the likes of Keenan Allen, D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet. Moreover, a running back like D'Andre Swift will make the job easier for him, and the offensive line is also better than what Fields had.
The Bears have a good roster, and although they have a rookie quarterback in Williams, it wouldn't be truly shocking if they made the playoffs and played good football throughout the season.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit HBO's Hard Knocks and H/T Sportskeeda.