
CHICAGO- In the 2024 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears selected Quarterback Caleb Williams out of the University of Southern California (USC Trojans) rather than Jayden Daniels out of Louisiana State University (LSU Tigers). The months leading up to the draft gave reporters and fans every indication that the Bears already decided on Williams. The Bears had absolutely no intention of making a different decision and taking Williams.
The game film made it obvious that Daniels was the game-changer Chicago needed. Although Williams showed potential, it’s always better to go with the closer player to being a “sure thing” to lead to team to a Super Bowl win. Although, it’s unrealistic to expect any rookie Quarterback to pull this off in the first season, an improvement in record is a good sign.
Daniels not only succeeded in leading the Washington Commanders to a better record but leading the team to the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles is already a great sign that they made a better decision than the Bears.
Only time will tell and perhaps Williams will succeed at some point. However, Chicago had a golden opportunity to make immediate strides with Daniels.
Early on, after watching game film, it seemed all too obvious that Daniels was the superior Quarterback. It wasn’t even close. It’s not that Williams is terrible but Daniels had the better overall chance to win games right away.
Sometimes it’s more about scheme fit than overall ability which is possibly what Chicago looked at.
Some of the stars are similar despite the fact that both teams went in different directions. Daniels passed for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also threw nine interceptions but had a Quarterback rating of 70.5. Williams passed for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns. Williams threw six interceptions but also had a dismal Quarterback rating of 46.8.
The Commanders went 12-5 in the regular season and advanced to the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles. Washington lost 55-23. The Bears finished with a 5-12 record.
Williams might still succeed but he has to learn that there are chances worth taking and chances that are not worth taking. The stats indicate that Daniels was the better overall Quarterback in terms of managing risk. That doesn’t mean Daniels is a game manager. There is a major difference. Game manager is used to describe a Quarterback who doesn’t have the best skill set or overall talent but uses intellect and knowledge of the game in order to succeed. Daniels has way too much talent and skill to have that phrase apply to him.
It’s only one season so it’s important to put the conversation into perspective. Things can change in year two or beyond. No one can necessarily judge which quarterback is better just yet until there is more data. However, Daniels will likely be the better overall quarterback for a significant period of time. Only time will tell.
Williams will need to emerge as a leader in the locker room after several seasons. This is something to look for beyond the stats. Will he have the respect and admiration of his teammates? It’s difficult for any rookie quarterback to accomplish this in the first season. It will be interesting to see what happens.
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