Caleb Williams’ 16th game of the season ended with the Bears posting a dismal three points against the Seattle Seahawks—ultimately falling 6–3 at Soldier Field on Thursday night. The rookie quarterback was unable to get his team into the end zone, pushing the Bears’ losing streak to 10 games. Now, Chicago sports media figures are voicing their frustration, and some have singled out Williams directly.
Zach Zaidman’s Fiery Take
On Friday’s Mully & Haugh Show, broadcaster Zach Zaidman launched into a heated criticism of Williams, as well as the fans and media who seem enamored with his most spectacular plays. Zaidman insisted that many of Williams’ so-called “generational” throws are nothing special, claiming that every competent NFL quarterback has made similar plays.
“Don’t tell me that I’m watching something that I clearly haven’t watched,” Zaidman said. “Stop lying to me and telling me that’s generational, because it’s not.”
Zaidman’s remarks highlight a growing rift in Chicago: While some remain intrigued by Williams’ talent, others are growing weary of the hype—particularly in light of the team’s ongoing struggles to win games.
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Fans Defend Williams
Unsurprisingly, Zaidman’s strong stance ruffled feathers among fans. Many took to social media to defend Williams, emphasizing the difficult circumstances he faces:
- Offensive Line & Running Game Issues
Fans pointed to the lack of pass protection and a subpar ground attack, suggesting that even a seasoned quarterback would struggle with the Bears’ current roster. - Raw Talent, High Ceiling
One supporter noted that Williams “has generational ‘raw’ physical ability,” but needs the right coaching staff to mold him into a polished NFL player. The commenter cautioned that too many “generational” college talents never reach their potential due to poor development. - Perspective on Rookie Stats
Others highlighted that Williams has still thrown 19 touchdowns against just five interceptions through 15 games, on top of over 400 rushing yards—numbers that compare favorably to many rookies in similarly flawed situations. Another fan speculated that pairing Williams with a coordinator like Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions) could unlock his full capabilities.
Striking a Balance
There’s no denying that Williams displays flashes of brilliance with certain “off-schedule” or “off-platform” throws—a key reason many scouts considered him a top quarterback prospect. However, the Bears’ inconsistent offensive performances, coupled with a string of losses, have led critics to question whether those occasional highlight-reel plays mean much if they aren’t producing wins.
Zaidman’s point resonates with a segment of the Bears’ fanbase that’s tired of moral victories: Big throws and jaw-dropping highlights might help a quarterback’s reputation but don’t do much to improve the team’s record.
The Larger Picture
The stark divide over Williams’ performance underscores just how invested Bears fans are in finding a true franchise quarterback—a quest that has eluded them for decades. Every missed opportunity in the red zone, every unnecessary sack, and every interception fuels the frustration.
Still, the Bears are heavily dependent on surrounding Williams with the kind of coaching, play-calling, and roster depth that allows him to develop properly.
If he is indeed a “generational” talent, the front office and coaching staff must ensure he’s set up to succeed—rather than leaving him to run for his life behind a patchwork offensive line.
Looking Ahead
For Caleb Williams, the final games of his rookie season could be pivotal in shaping public perception. If he can showcase more consistency and help snap the Bears’ losing skid, fans might be more inclined to view his rookie year as a promising start rather than another Chicago quarterback fiasco.
Conversely, continued struggles will only intensify calls for major organizational changes—from coaching staff to front office—to build a more stable environment for him.
In the meantime, the debate rages on: Is Caleb Williams truly an elite quarterback in the making, or just the latest in a long line of overhyped passers doomed to falter in a flawed system? As the season winds down, it’s clear that one good drive or one disheartening loss can swing public opinion dramatically.
The challenge for Williams—and the Bears—is to find a way to turn those highlight passes into consistent scoring and, eventually, a winning record.
