In a surprising twist in the ongoing saga of the Chicago Bears’ disastrous 2024 season, veteran players are reportedly calling for a change at quarterback, specifically asking for rookie Caleb Williams to be benched. This comes on the heels of the Bears firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, a move that’s been in the works for weeks as the team’s offensive struggles reached a breaking point.

During a recent episode of the Pat McAfee Show, the conversation turned to the chaotic situation in Chicago, where an underperforming offense has led to calls for change from both players and fans. While Waldron’s firing was expected by many—given the Bears’ inability to generate any kind of consistency on offense—what was less anticipated was the fallout that’s now putting Caleb Williams in the hot seat.

The Firing of Shane Waldron and the Players’ Reaction

Waldron, who took over as the Bears’ offensive coordinator after a stint in Seattle, was supposed to be the one to unlock the potential of a roster filled with talent. But instead, the offense has been a mess: the Bears rank at or near the bottom in almost every meaningful offensive category, including sack rate, explosive plays, and first-down success. The Bears’ offensive line has been porous, Caleb Williams has faced constant pressure, and the play-calling just hasn’t helped the situation.

However, what really caught attention on the Pat McAfee Show was the revelation that several veteran players in the Bears’ locker room were not just upset about Waldron’s performance but have reportedly asked for Williams to be benched. According to sources from within the team, some veterans are concerned that Williams is being thrust into a situation where the pressure is too much for him to handle—especially with the offensive line playing poorly and the coaching staff not providing enough structure.

One of the key points brought up on the show was the idea that Williams, while immensely talented, might benefit from sitting and watching for a bit to recalibrate. It’s not necessarily that the players don’t believe in Williams’ future, but rather that they see him getting hit too often, making mistakes, and being exposed before he’s ready to take on the role of savior for a broken offense.

Are the Veterans Right to Want a Change?

It’s clear that the Bears’ offensive line has been one of the league’s worst this season, allowing a league-high sack rate of 10.7%. Williams has already taken 35 sacks—some of which were due to his own indecision or inability to read the defense, and others due to the sheer collapse of the offensive line in front of him. The pressure is mounting, and it’s beginning to affect his decision-making on the field.

But is benching Williams the right solution? On the Pat McAfee Show, the panel of former NFL players and analysts debated whether sitting Williams would help or hurt his development. Some, like Pat McAfee himself, pointed out that it might give Williams a chance to take a step back, evaluate his play from the sideline, and learn the game from a different perspective. It’s a common strategy for young quarterbacks who are getting battered week after week—think of how Bryce Young has had to adapt in Carolina or how Anthony Richardson has learned on the fly in Indianapolis.

On the flip side, some argued that benching Williams could kill his confidence. He’s the number-one overall pick for a reason: his skillset, his arm talent, and his poise under pressure. However, being constantly under duress isn’t helping him develop at the pace the Bears need. So, the dilemma remains: Is the team setting Williams up for failure, or is this just part of the difficult process of becoming an NFL quarterback?

Could Tyler Bagent Be the Solution?

While the idea of benching Williams has garnered some support, others are asking whether backup quarterback Tyler Bagent should get the starting nod. Bagent, who’s made a name for himself during preseason and in limited action, has garnered some attention from the Bears’ veteran players who believe he might provide a steadier hand under center.

However, this isn’t necessarily a knock on Williams’ talent—it’s more about the situation he’s in. Some feel that Bagent, who has spent more time in the system, might be better suited to manage a game under these circumstances, at least until the offensive line issues can be addressed. The question remains: Can Bagent bring the stability the Bears need, or would he, too, be overwhelmed by the same problems that have plagued Williams?

Looking Ahead: Can the Bears Fix Their Issues?

While the Bears’ decision to fire Shane Waldron is one step toward trying to fix the offense, there’s still a long road ahead. Enter Thomas Brown, the Bears’ new offensive coordinator, who takes over the reins after serving as the pass-game coordinator under Frank Reich in Carolina. Brown is known for being a great communicator and holding players accountable, so perhaps his arrival will bring a much-needed reset for the offense.

But no matter who is calling the plays, the core issue remains: the Bears need to fix their offensive line and figure out how to protect their quarterback. Without a significant improvement in protection, whether it’s Williams or Bagent under center, the Bears are doomed to repeat their struggles.

Moreover, if Williams is to succeed in Chicago, the team must find stability—both in the coaching staff and on the field. The Bears cannot afford another season of constant change, which only adds to the pressure of trying to develop a young quarterback.

The Bigger Picture for Caleb Williams

No matter what happens this season, the future of Caleb Williams remains a big question mark. The Bears invested heavily in him as the number-one pick, and they’ll need to surround him with the right pieces to succeed. This isn’t the first time a highly touted rookie quarterback has been thrown into a bad situation—remember how Joe Burrow was nearly ruined in his first year in Cincinnati before things turned around. But the clock is ticking for the Bears to get it right with Williams, and with the instability in coaching and offensive line play, time may be running out to help him reach his potential.

If the Bears continue to mishandle Williams’ development, they risk turning him into the latest example of a young quarterback whose career was derailed by poor team management. But for now, the focus will remain on whether the Bears bench Williams or stick with him through the growing pains, and whether the team can fix the myriad issues that have plagued their offense all season.

As it stands, Chicago fans are holding their breath, hoping that this isn’t just another wasted year in what’s becoming a long history of disappointment for the franchise.