NFL Rumors: Caleb Williams Apologized to Bears for Struggles After Waldron Firing

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams reportedly apologized to his teammates in a team meeting for his part in the offense's struggles after offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was fired, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.

Per that report, "Teammates were very impressed by the accountability and his decision to do that."

The 22-year-old rookie has had his ups and downs this season, throwing for 1,785 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 60.5 percent of his passes and taking 38 sacks. His 38.4 QBR ranks 29th among qualified quarterbacks, ahead of only Gardner Minshew (37.7), Will Levis (31.7) and Deshaun Watson (22.4).

The Bears, in the process, are 4-5.

Few people have laid the blame solely on Williams, of course. Waldon's scheme had significant issues, offensive line play has been spotty and head coach Matt Eberflus is undoubtedly on the hot seat.

"Third playcaller, and I take full accountability for that," Eberflus told reporters Wednesday after firing Waldron and appointing Thomas Brown to offensive coordinator, the third OC the team has had this calendar year. "I take full responsibility for that, and it's got to get better. The details of creativity have to improve, and it's got to improve this week."

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Sunday that under Brown, the "goal will be to get back to basics for Williams, as his transition from college to professional football has been a bit steeper than anticipated."

He added that "the focus, sources say, is to simplify, and going back to basics is how Brown put it in a team meeting earlier this week."

Williams has to own his part of the team's struggles, and he reportedly has. But the entire Bears offense clearly needed a new direction as well.