Following a recent report about a possible quarterback controversy, some Chicago Bears players have come out to defend their starting quarterback, Caleb Williams, and refute claims that teammates have asked for a change.
The speculation arose after the Bears suffered a disappointing 19-3 loss to the New England Patriots, leading to the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. The Bears’ offense has struggled mightily during an ongoing three-game losing streak, scoring a total of just 27 points while ranking near the bottom of the league in passing offense. Williams, a rookie quarterback, has faced challenges as he continues to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
In the aftermath of Waldron’s dismissal, ESPN Chicago radio host Marc Silverman reported that some Bears players had approached general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus to push for Waldron’s firing. Furthermore, Silverman claimed that a few veteran players wanted the team to bench Caleb Williams in favor of backup quarterback Tyson Bagent.
However, multiple players have since publicly denied any truth to the report.
Speaking to WGN Radio’s Kevin Powell, Bears tight end Cole Kmet rejected the claims, stating on Wednesday that calls to bench Williams “didn’t happen.” Kmet went on to express his confidence in Williams, saying that he has “ultimate faith” in the young quarterback and hopes to see him play “fast” and “free.”
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“We’re trying to find solutions to help him out, first and foremost. Because we’ve seen, when he gets going, it is special,” Kmet said, as reported by Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. “It is. And we want to find ways to make him comfortable and let him flow and let him go do his thing.”
Bears wide receiver Tyler Scott also pushed back against the rumors during an appearance on The Sick Podcast with Adam Rank, calling the speculation “fake news.”
“Things get out of hand. We got people leaving, so people got so much to say. Narratives get made up,” Scott said. “That’s one thing I’ve definitely learned over my past year-and-a-half being here is that the media can definitely twist and turn things to make situations come to life … We’re all behind our QB.”
Similarly, star wide receiver DJ Moore voiced his support for Williams. According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Moore emphasized the importance of standing by the young quarterback, especially given the challenges he’s facing in his first NFL season.
“You got to have support for him, no matter what,” Moore said. “He’s going out there, busting his butt, trying to learn everything at once, and the defenses are throwing a lot at him. So, you can’t really be mad at him. You just got to still back him. Whatever he’s doing, he’s going to get better at, and we’re with him.”
Williams himself addressed the situation, stating that he feels he has the “full support” of his teammates as the Bears prepare for their upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers.
“I’ve gotten texts or calls or people coming up to me, with this situation that just happened, and saying, ‘We got your back. We’re with you,'” Williams said.
The Bears will need that solidarity as they work to bounce back from a difficult stretch. The endorsement from Williams’ teammates underscores their belief in his abilities and their willingness to fight alongside him as they look to get back on track.
