The paths of Caleb Williams and Bryce Young are becoming a stark example of how one franchise’s gamble can backfire while another reaps the rewards. In a matchup between the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers, this storyline was on full display. Williams, the dynamic young quarterback for Chicago, led his team to a commanding 36-10 victory, while Young, drafted by Carolina just a year earlier, stood mostly on the sidelines, benched in favor of a veteran.

It wasn’t supposed to go this way for the Panthers. In 2023, they traded significant assets — including two first-round draft picks, two second-round picks, and their star wide receiver DJ Moore — to move up in the draft and select Bryce Young first overall. The hope was that Young, the promising prospect out of Alabama, would transform the franchise and provide stability at quarterback. But reality has been far harsher. Young’s rookie season was marred by poor play, where he threw 11 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, completing less than 60% of his passes. Worse, he was sacked 62 times, losing 477 yards — the most of any quarterback that season. His 2-15 rookie campaign handed the Bears, through that very trade, the top pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, which they used to select Caleb Williams.

Williams, now quarterbacking for Chicago, has had a much smoother start to his career. With a strong supporting cast and a team that has seemingly set him up for success, he has thrived in the early stages of his professional journey. On Sunday, he showcased his immense talent, completing 20 of 29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns, all without committing a turnover. His performance gave the Bears a comfortable win and highlighted just how far apart these two quarterbacks, and the franchises that drafted them, currently are.