Chicago Bears quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams has been warned of further “growing pains” as he continues to adjust to life in the NFL .
Williams and the Bears are in London to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The rookie struggled through his first couple of games behind a porous offensive, leading to widespread criticism given his status as a Heisman Trophy-winning generational prospect during his USC days.
Compared to two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes due to his awe-inducing off-platform throws, Williams is now starting to flash his limitless potential . He has improved each week, culminating in completing 20-of-29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns versus the Carolina Panthers .
As the second overall pick back in 2010, Ndamukong Suh knows all about dealing with the weight of expectation. The Sky Sports analyst believes Williams is handling the pressure as well as he can ahead of his trip across the pond, navigating the Bears to a 3-2 record.
“I mean, this crazy hype expected at the end of the day, just for the simple fact that he's a first-round draft pick - let alone the No. 1 overall pick,” Suh exclusively told Mirror US Sport. “And so from that standpoint, we as top draft picks - me being a No. 2 overall back in 2010 - face high expectations. There's always going to be a lot of hype in and around different places. It's up to individuals to live up to that hype.
“And then when you're a true professional, and hopefully Caleb will become that, you make people around you better. You need to be able to do that - especially from a quarterback position. But also, even from a defensive line or a defensive position, you've got to be able to make people around you better.
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“His performances have been good. He’s going to have growing pains, that’s natural. It’s just going to be a lot more highlighted being a quarterback. He’s going to continue to grow, but overall, he’s managed the hype well, adjusting and adapting [to the NFL] pretty quickly.”
Back in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans , Williams had his most difficult performance as he completed under 50 percent of his passes for just 93 yards without a score. However, a blocked punt returned for a touchdown followed by a dramatic pick-six by Tyrique Stevenson saw Chicago overturn a 17-point deficit to win 24-17.
The Bears defense has enjoyed a hot start to the season, dominating passing offenses to give Williams the best chance of success in his debut campaign. Suh - a three-time All-Pro defensive tackle - knows exactly how critical a defense can be even to help a rookie quarterback get to grips with the league.
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“Overall, having a top defense that’s able to support a young quarterback is key,” Suh declared. “It’s important to make sure you have a strong defense that supports a young quarterback and gives them many, many opportunities to score points and get through these growing pains.
“There are going to be growing pains with interceptions, turnovers, three-and-outs that allow the defense to contribute and step up. And the Bears defense is playing well. They’ve been able to hold down the fort, do their job, and effect games.”
Williams’ Bears take on the 1-4 Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 13.
Watch the Chicago Bears face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Week Six on Sunday October 13, live on Sky Sports NFL
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