The Chicago Bears are set to select Caleb Williams, the quarterback from Southern Cal, in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
Williams will join a franchise historically burdened by underperforming quarterbacks, none of whom have ever achieved a 30-touchdown season.
While such optimism is voiced annually, this Bears team appears poised for significant change. Wide receiver D.J. Moore emerged as a standout in an otherwise struggling offense, and the recent acquisition of top-tier wide receiver Keenan Allen further bolsters their offensive capabilities. With the highly touted Williams entering into this favorable scenario in Chicago, fans are hopeful that the Heisman winner will be the catalyst for a turnaround.
However, not everyone shares this optimism. ESPN’s Robert Griffin III, former NFL quarterback and 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, recently advised Williams to reconsider joining the Bears.
Griffin’s remarks reached the Bears organization, prompting a response from Chicago’s general manager, Ryan Poles, during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Poles expressed his frustration, stating, “It pisses me off a little bit, to be honest with you,” emphasizing the team’s determination to break free from past cycles and build a successful future.
In fairness to Griffin, he’s not alone in his skepticism. However, the issue lies not with Williams himself, but rather with the system in place and the notable exceptions to the rule. Griffin’s suggestion that Williams should resist joining the Bears, akin to Eli Manning’s maneuver to avoid playing for the San Diego Chargers, is deemed impractical. Furthermore, questioning the worthiness of the Bears franchise overlooks potential alternatives, such as the Washington Commanders, a team that faced its own challenges during Griffin’s tenure.
Poles’ defense of the Bears franchise is justified, reflecting their confidence in their strategic direction and plans for the future.
