Caleb Williams – Bears QB1 in Mind, Body and Spirit

Caleb Williams has several avenues to make history this season, breaking Bears’ franchise and NFL records. Only three NFL franchises have not had a quarterback throw for over 4,000 yards in the regular season – the Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and Chicago Bears. History could change for a few of these ball clubs this season – all the rookie phenom has to do is average 235.4 yards per game for the Bears to be one of them.

Single Season Bears’ Records to Consider

Maybe it’s “recency” bias (hard to believe it’s already been eight seasons since he last played for Chicago), but when people think of the best Bears passer, most folks come up with Jay Cutler. Although that answer is correct for almost every career quarterback stat for the Bears, that answer is wrong for the Bears’ single-season record.

Erik Kramer is the king of the season records in the Windy City. During the best year of Kramer’s career in 1995, he threw for 3,838 yards and 29 touchdowns, on only 10 interceptions. Impressive. Also impressive is the Chicago Bears’ regular season record for interceptions at 31, set way back in 1947 by legend Sid Luckman, who did it at age 31.

Jay Cutler wasn’t too far behind ol’ Sid, holding down 2nd place with 26 interceptions in 2009 at age 26. If Caleb can match his age with interceptions this year, he would not be worried about breaking those records. Although, throwing 23 interceptions (his 23rd birthday is mid-season on November 18th) over a 17-game season (1.35 average per game) would be acceptable numbers for most rookie QBs, but not for Caleb Williams.

Johnny Lujack holds the Bears single-season record for rushing touchdowns at 11 back in 1950. This is likely not a record that Caleb Williams can touch, but it is not impossible by any means. There is another Chicago Bears record that probably will not be touched for a very long time, Justin Fields‘ single-season rushing yards by a quarterback set in 2022 at 1,143.

Notable NFL Rookie QB Records 

In 2012 Andrew Luck set the rookie passing yardage record with 4,374 for the Indianapolis Colts. That’s a hefty number and a lofty goal for Caleb Williams, but he has one more regular season game to do it than Andrew Luck had back then. Caleb has arguably the more talented and deeper supporting cast to help him get there, too.

Justin Herbert set the NFL rookie record for passing touchdowns with 31 for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. If the Bears’ offense ends up being a lot more pass-oriented than run, all Caleb Williams would have to do is average 1.83 passing touchdowns per game to break that mark. The Bears also have the wide receiver who helped Justin Herbert set that record by catching eight of those passing touchdowns, in Keenan Allen.

In 1998 rookie QB for the Indianapolis Colts, Peyton Manning, threw a record 28 interceptions. If the Bears chuck the rock all over the field in 2024 – this could also be a record to factor in. With one more regular season game to play than Peyton had back then – if Caleb Williams averages over 1.6 picks per game, he could also be the proud owner of this NFL merit badge.

There are several records that Caleb Williams will not be able to touch this season. First is the rookie QB rushing record of 815 yards set by Robert Griffin III in 2012 for Washington. The second is Cam Newton’s rookie QB record of 14 rushing touchdowns in 2011 for the Carolina Panthers. Thirdly is Lamar Jackson’s rookie QB record of 147 rushing attempts in 2018.

Bears Rookie QB Records Caleb Williams Will Smash

Mitchell Trubisky holds the Bears’ rookie passing yards record at 2,193. Caleb Williams could double that record this year with the massive upgrade in talent around him.

Charlie O’Rourke back in 1942 threw the most passing touchdowns with 11. Caleb will likely double that long-standing record, if not triple it as he breaks Justin Herbert’s NFL record.

Zeke Bratkowski holds the Bears’ rookie record for interceptions with 17 back in 1954. This record is definitely in the range of outcomes for Fields if Chicago slings the ball around in 2024.

The Chicago Bears rushing record held by a rookie QB is  Justin Fields with 420 yards. That’s only 24.7 yards per game, an achievable record for Caleb Williams, who doesn’t get enough credit for his legs.

In 1968, Virgil Carter set the rookie QB rushing touchdown record with 4. Caleb Williams only played on a few drives the whole preseason and already had one rushing TD. This record should also be doubled.

Final Thoughts

With multiple ways to rewrite the record books this season, Caleb Williams has a lot of pressure on him to succeed. He also has the talent and supporting cast to accomplish all these feats if he stays healthy for the whole season. Bears fans hope that Caleb Williams has some sizeable quantities of mental and physical toughness to go with his talent and that his body can withstand the brutal nature of a full 17-game slate of NFL action.

For More Great Content

Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level. 

Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!

Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.