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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is really struggling in his sophomore season, and it has many people wondering if the former No. 1 overall pick is headed toward bust territory. While it’s probably still too early to label Williams an outright failure, one thing is for sure: he hasn’t really shown any progress this year. In fact, a legitimate argument can be made that he has gone backward. Read more: Raiders Linked to Significant Trade With Unthinkable Team Former NFL scout John Middlekauff is clearly not a fan of the USC product and threw some brutal shade at Williams during a discussion with Colin Cowherd of The Volume. “[Williams] has not played well. Their team has. The running back has played well and the defense has played well. The quarterback has not,” Middlekauff said. “How many times today with Caleb, guys in the flat — even on completions — they have to stop? There’s no rhythm to his game. I think Caleb isn’t remotely a good player. Physically, he’s got a lot of gifts. But in terms of playing the quarterback position, I think he’s borderline not even average. That’s a problem.” BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 26: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks on as he stretches prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. Middlekauff is certainly not the only person who feels this way, and a year and a half into Williams’ professional career, the lack of production is becoming increasingly worrisome. Through seven games this season, Williams has thrown for 1,639 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions while completing just 61.9 percent of his passes. Four of his passing touchdowns came in one game, back when the Bears defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. He has totaled just two touchdown tosses since and has failed to reach the end zone — both through the air and on the ground — over his last two contests. Most recently, Williams went 25-for-38 with 285 yards and an interception during a Week 8 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. That followed a Week 7 showing in which he completed 15 of 26 passes for 172 yards and a pick in a win over the New Orleans Saints. Read more: Steelers Predicted to Swing Critical Trade Following Packers Loss The Bears have managed to go 4-3 in spite of Williams’ struggles, but as Middlekauff noted, it’s largely because of how well D’Andre Swift has played. But if Williams continues to perform the way he has, it will be very difficult to see Chicago reaching the playoffs, especially in the rugged NFC North division. For more on the Chicago Bears and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
