Even when they are selected at the top of the first round, rookie quarterbacks are not typically named the starter immediately. Usually, the rookie has to earn their role by performing well during practice before they’re ultimately named the starting quarterback. But that will not be the case for new Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
This week, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus was asked whether or not there would be a conversation before naming Caleb Williams the team’s starting quarterback. And he quickly made it clear that would not be the case – the rookie is already QB1.
“No conversation. He’s the starter,” Eberflus said, according to Adam Hoge of the CHGO Bears podcast.
Matt Eberflus on if he even needs to have a conversation with Caleb Williams about being the #Bears' starting quarterback:
"No conversation. He's the starter."
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) May 10, 2024
This is not the way the Carolina Panthers handled Bryce Young after selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick last year as the team waited for him to earn the job during preseason camp. Additionally, the Bears had previous starter Justin Fields was not named the full-time starter until the third week of his rookie season.
Needless to say, it’s pretty insane news that the team is already naming Williams the starter this early, and it led to a lot of reactions on social media.
Caleb Williams named Bears starter.
Of course. Seems obvious.
But 3 years ago Justin Fields sat and watched Andy Dalton (!) get the first team reps.
Different era. Different player. I believe there will be much different results. pic.twitter.com/dfMfnZSGFL
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) May 10, 2024
#Bears coach Matt Eberflus left no doubt that No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is his starter: “No conversation. He's the starter."
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 10, 2024
well that’s was easy.
caleb williams day 1 starter like we all knew. day 1 of rookie camp. #DaBears pic.twitter.com/FN5rOUbm5W
— Jimbo (@james_sweener) May 10, 2024
In the non-news, breaking news department out of Halas Hall: Caleb Williams is QB1. No ifs, ands, buts or debate.
Matt Eberflus: "No conversation. He’s the starter."
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) May 10, 2024
After further review with the technicalities…
Caleb Williams is the first rookie to be named their unquestioned starter week one starter at QB for the #Bears in their 100+ year history.
This includes NOT having to face a pointless competition in training camp.
— Erik Duerrwaechter (@EDuerrwaechter) May 11, 2024
Caleb Williams gets named the starter in May while Justin Fields had to compete with Andy Dalton man they hated Justin from the start 😭 https://t.co/XrnbPI2U3f
— Brandon Carney (@BenchwarmerBran) May 10, 2024
We’ll have to see how Williams performs in his first season.
