Quarterback Caleb Williams faces an elevated expectation, according to Dan Orlovsky, yet Orlovsky's assertion may prove incorrect.
Headline: Caleb Williams Faces High Expectations as He Enters Second NFL Season, According to Analyst Dan Orlovsky
In the world of NFL quarterbacks, the pressure is always high. But for some, the stakes are even higher. According to analyst Dan Orlovsky, one such player is Caleb Williams, who is entering his second season with the Chicago Bears.
Orlovsky, in his latest ranking, has placed Williams at the top of the list of quarterbacks with the most to prove in the 2025 NFL season. This is due in part to the timing of Williams' career. As Orlovsky points out, Year 2 is often when quarterbacks make a major developmental leap, and there's greater expectation for visible improvement this season compared with a rookie year.
The context around Chicago's offense and coaching also raises the immediate performance bar for Williams. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is known for his detailed approach, and the Bears have made several additions and playmakers that demand precision and mental processing from their quarterback. ESPN reporting suggests that Williams needs "mental horsepower" and needs to adjust to Johnson's specifics to reach success.
In contrast, Trevor Lawrence, the Jacksonville Jaguars' quarterback, had his breakout season in 2022, throwing 25 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, helping the team reach the playoffs. However, Orlovsky argues that Lawrence's narrative is different. He has already demonstrated a high ceiling and secured a lucrative contract, whereas Williams must still validate his status as the franchise QB.
Williams' rookie year saw him throw for 3,541 yards and post an 87.8 quarterback rating. However, his performance did not translate to everyone in Chicago believing he is the franchise savior that the No. 1 overall selection is ultimately supposed to be.
It's worth noting that not all commentators agree with Orlovsky's ranking. Some argue that Lawrence's contract, recent regression, and expectations in Jacksonville create equal or greater pressure.
Meanwhile, Williams has already disagreed with Orlovsky's opinion. In his rookie season, he threw 20 TDs and 6 interceptions in 17 starts, despite playing behind the NFL's worst pass protection that led to 68 sacks.
Other quarterbacks on Orlovsky's list include J.J. McCarthy, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson. Sam Darnold, who signed a $100.5 million contract and was handed the keys to the Seattle Seahawks offense, was not included in the list.
The fate of the Seahawks lies in the answer to whether Darnold is $100.5-million good or if he just hit a nice 16-game streak that was a mirage. In the final two games of the 2024 season, including a playoff loss in the wildcard round, Darnold played like he had since 2018.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the spotlight will be on Williams as he enters a season where he is expected to show that he is the talent, the player, and the future of his team, a team that has been desperately seeking success. Despite Lawrence's high salary, Orlovsky sees Williams, on his rookie contract, as having more to prove in the 2025 NFL season.
- The high expectations surrounding Caleb Williams as he enters his second NFL season are not undeserved, given analyst Dan Orlovsky's assertion that Williams has the most to prove among quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL season.
- Williams' position atop Orlovsky's ranking is largely due to the Year 2 developmental leap expected of quarterbacks and the demands of Chicago's precise offense under coordinator Ben Johnson.
- Despite some quarterbacks, such as J.J. McCarthy, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson, also being on Orlovsky's list, Williams is seen as having more to prove in the 2025 NFL season, even though Trevor Lawrence, who already has a high ceiling and a lucrative contract, faces his own pressure with Jacksonville.
