"When are the veterans going to help you?": Ex-Packers star defends Caleb Williams, points finger at Bears' issues

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones didn't hold back his words in defending Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. He blasted Chicago's veterans and coaching staff for their collective offensive failure.

Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, faces mounting pressure as the Bears have lost 10 straight games after a promising 4-2 start. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky's analysis says that only two of Caleb Williams' seven sacks against Seattle were his fault.

Speaking on "THE FACILITY" show on Dec. 26, Jones pushed back against the growing criticism of Williams following Chicago's disappointing 6-3 loss to the Seahawks.

"When is the veterans going to help you? Come on now, you know what I'm saying, like, we want to put all this on Caleb and they scored three points. That ain't all on Caleb. The O-line gets some of that. The receivers get some of that for dropping the ball, stopping in zone coverage," said Jones.

The Bears' offensive collapse has been historic. Williams has now taken 67 sacks this season. He surpassed the previous franchise record of 66 set in 2004 when Chicago cycled through four different quarterbacks.

James Jones doubles down on Caleb Williams's support

NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears - Source: Imagn

What James Jones also highlighted were specific failures, criticizing receivers for poor route-running on key plays.

"You got dagger, and it ain't nobody in the middle of the field, where we do that at?" Jones said. "Keep running, go catch the ball and go get some yak and score a touchdown."

Both interim head coach Thomas Brown and Williams stepped up to accept the blame after the loss:

"The offense was not good enough, which starts with me as far as the game plan," Brown admitted.

Caleb Williams echoed this accountability:

"I will say that I'll definitely take the heat for this one, just 'cause of some situations that I put us in."

Despite the turbulent season, which included the mid-season firing of HC Matt Eberflus and OC Shane Waldron, Williams maintains perspective.

Through 16 games, he's thrown for 3,393 yards with 19 touchdowns and six interceptions. Williams also added 479 rushing yards. His 87.4 passer rating suggests promise amid the chaos.