The NFL season has been full of surprises, but two teams—the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets—are drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. From high expectations to early-season struggles, both teams are facing significant issues that could have lasting impacts on their future. Let’s break down whether the Bears have a Caleb Williams problem and if the Jets are officially done.

Do the Bears Have a Caleb Williams Problem?

When the Chicago Bears selected Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the hope was that they had secured their franchise quarterback for the future. Williams, the highly touted QB from USC, was regarded as a can’t-miss prospect, someone who could lead the Bears out of their perpetual mediocrity. However, 10 weeks into his rookie season, the situation is far from ideal, and the question now is: Do the Bears have a Caleb Williams problem?

The Early Struggles: Hype Meets Reality

Williams’ rookie campaign has been full of ups and downs. Early on, it was clear that while the Bears’ offense was struggling, there were some signs of potential. In fact, there were moments when fans and analysts began to see why he was so highly regarded coming out of college. His arm strength, mobility, and ability to make spectacular plays were on display in the early weeks, and people thought, “Okay, he’s a rookie, but we can see the upside here.”

However, the reality check came quickly.

Over the past few weeks, Williams’ performance has significantly dipped. With a passer rating of just 65—the worst in the NFL—he’s been a shadow of the player who lit up college football. The Bears’ offense, already struggling, has taken a massive hit, and Williams’ inability to make plays consistently is a huge part of that. But is it really fair to blame him entirely? No, not necessarily.

While he’s clearly underperforming, Williams is not the Bears’ biggest problem. The offensive line has been abysmal, and he’s been sacked at one of the highest rates in the league. His protection has been so poor that it’s a wonder he’s still standing. Add to that the struggles with offensive scheme and play-calling, and it’s clear that the structural issues in Chicago run far deeper than just their rookie quarterback.

That said, there are areas where Williams needs to improve if he wants to become the long-term answer in Chicago. His average time to throw is too long, which is contributing to his sacks. He holds onto the ball too much, waiting for plays to develop when he needs to get rid of it quicker. Against better NFL defenses, that’s a recipe for disaster. His accuracy has been spotty, and he’s missed some throws that should be routine at this level, especially in clean pockets.

But let’s not get carried away and write him off just yet. Williams has shown flashes of brilliance, and his natural talent is undeniable. The biggest problem for the Bears is that they don’t have the right pieces around him, and it’s unfair to put the full burden on his shoulders. There are larger issues with coaching, team structure, and overall organizational dysfunction that have to be addressed before Williams can fully reach his potential.

Are the Jets Officially Done?

Now let’s turn our attention to the New York Jets, a team that came into the season with hopes of making a playoff run, thanks in large part to the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers. Unfortunately for Jets fans, those dreams have been dashed in spectacular fashion. At 4-6, the Jets are on the brink of elimination, and it’s safe to say they are officially done.

Aaron Rodgers and the Jets’ Struggles

The excitement surrounding the Jets’ season was palpable when Aaron Rodgers joined the team. After a disappointing 2023 campaign, the Jets hoped that Rodgers could turn their offense into a contender. With a top-tier defense and the addition of Rodgers, many believed the Jets were primed to make a serious run at the playoffs. But Rodgers’ Achilles injury in Week 1 threw that plan out the window, and the Jets have been spiraling ever since.

Even though Zach Wilson has shown signs of improvement, he simply isn’t capable of carrying the team. The offense has been painfully inept, and the defense, while still elite, has been unable to carry the entire team on its back. It’s clear that the Jets’ Super Bowl aspirations are officially over.

But the question now is: What happens next for the Jets?

If Rodgers wants to return next season, that poses a huge dilemma for the organization. At 40 years old, coming off an Achilles injury, and dealing with a team that is clearly underperforming, there’s a real possibility that Rodgers might be done. Should the Jets bring him back? If I’m the Jets, I’d say no. The team has wasted too many resources on a quarterback who’s near the end of his career and is unlikely to return to his MVP-level form. The Jets need to reset.

If Rodgers doesn’t retire, the Jets may have to make a difficult decision: Cut him and move forward with a younger quarterback or commit to one more season with Rodgers in hopes of a final comeback. The other option? A total rebuild, which, given the team’s talent on defense, could be a tough pill to swallow. The Jets’ window to compete is closed, and it’s clear they need a change in leadership at some level—whether that means moving on from Rodgers or making a coaching change.

The Coaching Dilemma

While much of the blame for the Jets’ disappointing season has fallen on the injury to Rodgers, the coaching staff also deserves some criticism. Robert Saleh and his staff have failed to adapt to the loss of Rodgers. The offense has been dysfunctional, and while the defense has kept the team in games, they can only do so much.

There’s also a growing sense of frustration among the players, particularly on offense. It’s hard to see how they could fix things without major changes. If the Jets want to salvage anything from this season, they need a complete overhaul on offense—starting with a new quarterback and a retooled offensive line. They also need to make some tough decisions about their coaching staff and the direction of the franchise.

Conclusion: The Bears and Jets’ Future

Both the Bears and Jets are facing uncertain futures, but they have different problems. The Bears’ issue is largely one of structure and support—they need to fix their offensive line, coaching, and team culture before they can expect Caleb Williams to thrive. Williams has the potential to be great, but he needs a supporting cast that can elevate his play.

The Jets, on the other hand, are stuck in a quarterback limbo, with Rodgers’ future uncertain and no clear plan to move forward. If they continue to waste the talent on their roster by sticking with a 40-year-old quarterback coming off an injury, they risk losing a season that could have been used for rebuilding.

For both teams, the season has been a massive disappointment. But while the Jets are officially done this year, the Bears’ hope lies in the future—if they can figure out how to support Caleb Williams and build a team around him. Both franchises have a lot of work ahead of them, but the question is: can they rebuild in time to compete again? Time will tell.