The Chicago Bears' offense exploded for 59 points in their season opener, and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was the centerpiece of the fireworks. But when Pro Football Focus (PFF) released its Week 1 grades, Williams found himself ranked 20th among quarterbacks—a placement that sparked immediate backlash from fans and analysts alike.
Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns, adding 65 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground against the Carolina Panthers. It was a debut that had Chicago buzzing, and many expected a top-tier grade from the analytics site. Instead, PFF flagged several negative plays, including a goal-line interception that was nullified by a penalty.
During a recent episode of "The PFF Show," co-host Cris Collinsworth addressed the controversy head-on. "I would have probably said what the fans said, you know, he had a terrific day," Collinsworth admitted. "I mean, he did. The big plays were plays that we gave him double-pluses on."
Collinsworth explained that PFF's grading system weighs every snap, not just the highlight-reel moments. The seven negative plays, including the wiped-out interception, dragged Williams' score down despite his gaudy numbers. It's a nuance that often gets lost in the box score, but Collinsworth stressed that PFF's process remains consistent across all players.
Still, Collinsworth made it clear that his personal admiration for Williams is undiminished. "I understand why there's a controversy," he said, via Awful Announcing. "People are so excited in Chicago right now, and they should be. This is really fun, what's happening in Chicago. They've been down in the dumps for a while. They got a coach. They got a quarterback. They're pumped up… they're protecting their guy. God love him. I probably would be too."
The Bears' 59-point explosion has already thrust Williams into the MVP conversation, a remarkable feat for a rookie. Head coach Ben Johnson has shown no remorse for running up the score, and the team's newfound swagger is hard to miss. Chicago fans, starved for success, are embracing every moment of it.
Williams will get his next chance to silence the critics this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. If he delivers another performance like Week 1, even PFF's strict grading scale might have to give him his due. But for now, the debate rages on—and Collinsworth, for one, is happy to be part of it.
As the Bears look to build on their historic opener, all eyes will be on Williams to see if he can maintain this level of play. The hype is real, the talent is undeniable, and the city of Chicago is finally believing again.
