Anybody who watched Friday’s game between the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles will make sure to point out Caleb Williams played poorly. For the most part, that is fair. He completed only 17 of 36 passes for 154 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. It was the running game (281 yards) and a spirited defensive effort that led the way to victory. However, people who think Williams had no influence on the final outcome weren’t paying attention. He was the one most responsible for putting the game away.
There were three plays late in the 4th quarter that proved a death blow to the Eagles’ chances. All three came directly from the good decision-making of the Bears’ young quarterback.
Play #1: Caleb Williams’ TD to Cole Kmet
There are layers to this decision. According to Ben Johnson, the first option on that fake is D’Andre Swift, who’s leaking into the flat. Williams also has enough space to take it himself. Either would’ve been the sensible move. However, the quarterback knew that you don’t beat good teams with sensible plays. Williams trusted his arm to loft the ball over the top to Cole Kmet, who was wide open. It was a perfect throw, putting the Bears in total control, 24-9.
Play #2: Scramble for first down
A vital part of protecting a lead is learning how to sustain drives that can drain the clock. Philadelphia scored to make it 24-15 with three minutes left. Caleb Williams had to find a way to eat at least some of that time away. After two short runs, he faced 3rd and 3 with 2:59 left. A bootleg fake left him with an open lane. Not only was he decisive in taking it, but he had the presence of mind to get down as he neared the sideline, ensuring the clock kept running. That forced Philadelphia to burn its final timeout.
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Play #3: The hard count
A Kyle Monangai run drained the clock down to 2:06. However, a quick stop or incomplete pass threatened to stop the clock before the two-minute warning, preserving precious time for the Eagles. Chicago faced 3rd and 5. It was here that Williams went to a new part of his arsenal, conducting a hard count that got Jalen Carter to jump, resulting in a penalty. Not only did it give the Bears better down and distance, but it also pushed the clock to the two-minute warning. Another Monangai run then drained an additional 45 seconds. While the Bears turned it over on downs, it didn’t matter. The Eagles had to go 70 yards against the wind to score, and would then need an onside kick even to have a chance to win.
They missed the attempted field goal a few moments later. That entire sequence was created by Williams’ heady decisions.
