Caleb Williams Aims to Break Bears' 4,000-Yard Passing Drought in 2026
The NFL preseason is underway, and the Chicago Bears, the defending NFC North champions, have high hopes for the upcoming season. Quarterback Caleb Williams, in his second year with head coach Ben Johnson, threw for 3,942 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. The Bears will kick off their preseason against the Browns on August 15, although starters are not expected to participate significantly.
Despite Williams' impressive performance last season, the Bears have never had a quarterback throw for 4,000 yards in a season, a drought that has lasted 106 years. Oddsmakers currently have Williams at +200 to achieve this milestone, with an Over/Under passing yardage total set at 3,624.5 yards and 24.5 touchdowns. Factors such as potential injuries and the possibility of resting players in a meaningless Week 18 game could impact his chances.
Williams faced significant challenges last season, including being sacked 68 times as a rookie, but improved to just 24 sacks in 2025 with a revamped offensive line. This season, he will have a new center and left tackle due to retirements and injuries. Additionally, Williams needs to enhance his accuracy, as his completion rate of 58.1% last season was the lowest for any quarterback reaching the postseason since 2012. The Bears will open their regular season against the Panthers on September 13.
