Caleb Williams Scouting Report by Cowboys Reportedly Reveals 'When It Gets Ugly'

It's been a tough start for quarterback Caleb Williams and the 0-2 Chicago Bears, who will host the 1-1 Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoon. Chicago needs Williams to showcase the potential shown when he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, but it's been hit-or-miss in his first year-plus in the league.

Regarding what he needs to do to get better, coaches in Dallas note that Williams is turnover-prone and makes mistakes when he moves outside the pocket. The Athletic's Dianna Russini provided a fuller picture.

"Evaluators have agreed that Williams' talent has never been in doubt, going back to the 2024 Draft. When he has time and trusts the pocket, he looks every bit the franchise quarterback Chicago envisioned when it took him No. 1 overall. The coach then: Matt Eberflus, who will face Williams this week as the defensive coordinator of the Cowboys.

"What coaches in Dallas are seeing: In moments Williams drifts outside the pocket, it starts to get ugly. Williams can be vicious on the move, but he can just as easily turn the ball over.

"But they're noticing some good, too. 'We're seeing less of that freelancing so far,' one league source said. 'Williams is standing tall, trusting his line and delivering on schedule more often. Whether that's improved protection or [Bears first-year head coach Ben Johnson] drilling patience into him, it's a subtle but meaningful shift.'

Through two games, Williams has completed 40-of-65 passes (61.5 percent) for 417 yards (6.4 yards per attempt), three touchdowns and one interception.

There certainly have been a few positive takeaways thus far. For starters, Williams has created a great rapport with wide receiver Rome Odunze, who has began the 2025 season with 13 catches for 165 yards and three touchdowns. The ex-USC star has also showcased his running ability, rushing for 85 yards and a score through two games.

There's certainly some promise there. In reality, the Bears' biggest problem this season isn't the quarterback.

Rather, it's a porous defense that allowed 21 fourth-quarter points in a 27-24 season-opening loss to the Minnesota Vikings before struggling mightily in a 52-21 Week 2 defeat to the Detroit Lions.

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Chicago has allowed an NFL-worst 7.1 yards per play, according to Pro Football Reference. The next-closest team, the New England Patriots, sits at 6.6.

That's hard for any quarterback to overcome, let alone a developing quarterback in Williams who will be making just his 20th NFL start on Sunday.

Week 3 does give him a chance for a breakout game, though. The Cowboys just allowed 450 passing yards and three touchdowns to quarterback Russell Wilson and the New York Giants in a 40-37 overtime win last Sunday.

It's possible Williams could have himself a nice breakout day against this Dallas defense. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday in Soldier Field.