Chicago Bears offense, Caleb Williams had rough OTA session

In what is apparently shocking news to some, a rookie quarterback in an offense that is learning a new offensive scheme and missing several starters (all excused absences, it should be noted) struggled in practice against the starting defense.

Wasn’t a great day for the #Bears offense today. Lots of incomplete passes during team drills.

Should note: Bears offense was missing two starting OL, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze.

It’s only OTA’s, folks but still rough.

— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) May 23, 2024

This is not the start to offseason practices that many Chicago Bears fans hoped for, but it was the most likely. As great as Caleb Williams is as a prospect, no quarterback looks like prime Patrick Mahomes during their first practice sessions. The Bears have a great defense, unlike anything Williams has practiced with before, and they weren’t learning any new schemes or coverages. Advantage, defense.

As aforementioned, many of the Chicago Bears’ offensive starters were not present at today’s voluntary practice.

Players I did not spot today: Nate Davis, Montez Sweat, Darnell Wright, Keenan Allen, Velus Jones.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) May 23, 2024

There’s no reason for Bears fans to panic. This is how things normally progress and, if Williams is in fact “as advertised”, then these are the mistakes he’ll learn from so that they don’t happen (often) in games, which is the only part that matters. And, remember: the OTAs weren’t all bad for Caleb and the offense.

“The first day. The offense really got after us. He made some good throws. Some deep passes. He had a really good day. Today, we got after him” – #Bears S Kevin Byard on Caleb Williams and the offense this week.

— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) May 23, 2024

I know Bears fans are sick of being told not to panic. They’ve been told not to panic many times before when, as it would later turn out, they probably should have. So I understand if they’re jaded to those words, but it can’t be emphasized enough. Rookie quarterbacks struggle early, or did we already forget about CJ Stroud’s disastrous preseason debut against the New England Patriots last year?

Some Caleb Williams throws during warmups. #Bears pic.twitter.com/ney8C8kyLp

— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) May 23, 2024

Chicago Bears fans shouldn’t put too much stock into early practice updates. Wait until preseason games, when opposing teams and players will pose as close to a regular-season challenge as possible. Until then, it’s just nice to see some on-field work.