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Is Caleb Williams the biggest problem with the Chicago Bears? | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 15:04 GMT by Sporting News
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Caleb Williams: The Biggest Threat to the Chicago Bears – A Deep‑Dive into the Team’s Pain Points

When the Chicago Bears set their sights on the 2024 season, a single name has been floating around the locker room like a storm cloud: Caleb Williams. The former USC star, now the first‑round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, is not only a top‑tier quarterback but also a dual‑threat weapon whose ability to extend plays and scramble for yards can upend even the most disciplined defenses. In the Bears’ case, Williams represents the most pressing issue that could derail the franchise’s ambitions this year.

Why Caleb Williams is a Bear’s Nightmare

Williams’ talent is widely recognized. He led USC to a national championship, was named the Heisman Trophy runner‑up in 2022, and showcased a unique blend of arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism that made him a perfect fit for a modern, pass‑heavy offense. For the Bears, who already struggle to generate sufficient pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Williams’ mobility and play‑making ability pose a double‑edged problem.

1. Dual‑Threat Threat – Williams can run, pass, and kick off the backfield, which means the Bears’ defensive line has to stay on their toes, limiting the opportunity for consistent sacks or forced turnovers.
2. Game‑Changing Potential – Even a single play where Williams turns a short pass into a 30‑yard run or throws an unexpected deep bomb can shift momentum, a factor the Bears have seen time and again when they’re left to defend a highly mobile quarterback.

The Bears’ Defensive Line Dilemma

The front of the Bears’ defense has been a perennial headache. They finished 2023 ranked in the bottom 20 in pass rush metrics, and the numbers show they’re only marginally better than the league average when it comes to quarterback hits. This lack of a dominant pass rusher means that the offense’s primary weapon—Justin Fields—often faces an unhurried quarterback, allowing him to extend plays and reduce the probability of a quick, hard‑to‑track pass.

Tyler Dunne – A Potential Fix

The Bears signed Tyler Dunne, a free‑agent defensive tackle who previously played with the Cincinnati Bengals. Dunne is a 6‑ft‑4, 310‑lb veteran with a solid track record of interior pressure and run‑stopping ability. His role in Chicago will be to plug the gaps in the defensive line, creating space for the edge rushers and giving the Bears a more balanced front.

• Stat Snapshot: In 2022, Dunne logged 7 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss in 13 games for the Bengals, showing he can disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage.
• Fit for the Bears: His experience against elite quarterbacks will help the team learn how to counter a mobile quarterback like Williams.

Go Long – The New Face on the Line

While Tyler Dunne is a free agent acquisition, the Bears have also been eyeing a younger talent they refer to as Go Long—a nickname for defensive tackle Jordan Long, who came out of the 2023 draft with high expectations. Long has shown flashes of speed off the snap and a knack for shedding blocks, making him a potential future cornerstone for the Bears’ defense.

• Draft Background: Long was selected in the 5th round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Bears, a move that signals the team’s commitment to building a stronger defensive front over the next several seasons.
• Development Plan: Head Coach Matt Nagy plans to pair Long with experienced interior linemen like Dunne to accelerate his learning curve.

Offensive Line and the Role of Shane Waldron

While the defensive line issues dominate the conversation, the Bears’ offensive line has also been a weak spot. Protecting Justin Fields is paramount, and the Bears have had to shuffle personnel, trading veteran linemen for draft picks and free‑agent acquisitions. Shane Waldron, the rookie wide receiver drafted in the 7th round, is a player the Bears hope will provide a fresh spark on the sidelines.

• Waldron’s Role: Despite limited snaps, Waldron’s route‑running and hands could become a reliable third option for Fields, giving the offense a better chance to catch the ball in a jammed pocket.
• Link to Offensive Strategy: A healthy, stable offensive line allows the Bears to implement a more diverse passing attack, essential for countering a dual‑threat quarterback like Williams.

Coaching and Front‑Office Moves

The Bears’ front office has taken a number of steps to address these concerns. General Manager John DeBartolo has signaled a willingness to trade for a proven pass rusher or secure a high draft pick in the upcoming lottery. Under Head Coach Matt Nagy, the defensive coaching staff has been revamping the blitz package, ensuring that when a pass rush is needed, it comes from multiple angles.

• Defensive Scheme Update: Nagy has emphasized a more aggressive 3‑4 look, allowing the Bears to use their linebackers and defensive ends to generate pressure without relying solely on the defensive line.
• Offensive Adjustments: On the offensive side, Nagy’s philosophy includes creating space for Fields through improved blocking schemes, a necessity given the new personnel.

The Road Ahead

In the end, the Bears’ biggest problem is not a single player but an entire system that has struggled to create the type of pressure necessary to stop elite quarterbacks. Caleb Williams serves as a magnifying glass on this issue, highlighting how a lack of a consistent pass rush can expose a team to high‑leverage plays.

• Short Term: Signing Tyler Dunne and developing Jordan Long (Go Long) are immediate steps to add depth and competition on the defensive line.
• Mid Term: The Bears will need to cultivate a stable offensive line capable of protecting Justin Fields while integrating Shane Waldron into a more varied passing attack.
• Long Term: The front office’s focus on acquiring a top-tier pass rusher, either via trade or the upcoming draft, will be critical in ensuring that the Bears remain competitive in the NFC North.

The question, now, is whether Chicago can close the gaps in both the trenches and the backfield before the next season rolls around. One thing is clear: if they can do so, they will dramatically reduce the threat posed by Caleb Williams and set the stage for a brighter future.