The suspense was terrible. Was Caleb Williams going to beat competition from Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien to become the Bears' starting quarterback? How long ? And did you even know that Bagent and Rypien were on Chicago's roster?
The suspense is over. Already.
Ultimately, it only took the two bridges in May for Caleb Williams to triumph. Or more precisely a day. On Thursday, the Bears gathered for their rookie minicamp. This Friday they were to begin their first non-contact training.
And this Friday, precisely, Matt Eberflus announced that the number 1 of the last Draft is indeed the number one quarterback of his team.
“No discussion, he’s the starter,” confirmed the coach, to the surprise of absolutely no one.
Caleb Williams already ready to say everything we expected him to say
Already comfortable in the shoes of a starting NFL quarterback, Caleb Williams immediately delivered his reaction to the press, with the ardor of the best warm water taps.
“Obviously, you set immediate goals. But also goals for the future,” explained the pitcher. “So it’s important, but you also have to appreciate the moment. I would say that it is very important to take things one at a time, manage them properly, and be professional. »
And the important thing is the three points.
Bad spirit aside, Williams still gave a more concrete insight into his state of mind: humble.
“To be a great leader, you must first learn to follow. So currently, I follow the veterans and the coaches. I listen. I open my ears and close my mouth. When I have learned everything, that is to say the way we do things here, the playbook, what the linemen, the receivers and the runners do, then we can start to take control and move on to the following steps. But right now, I'm listening more than I'm talking, and I'm taking it one step at a time. »
A fearsomely…weak competition
Tyson Bagent started 4 games for the Bears last season. He threw 3 touchdowns for 6 interceptions.
Brett Rypien has also started 4 NFL games in his career, and played 10 games in total. He also threw more interceptions (9) than touchdowns (4).
Chicago didn't really have a veteran who could keep the suspense going a little over the announcement of Williams' tenure. Matt Eberflus had the merit of not pretending.
