Everybody knows the NFL is an entirely different animal compared to college, especially when it comes to defensive complexity. Disguised coverages. Delayed blitzes. Twists and stunts at the line of scrimmage. All of it is meant expressly to confuse the quarterback into making a mistake. Caleb Williams didn’t see much of that at USC. Sure, he saw blitzes and stunts, but nowhere near the level of disguise that pro teams employ. The Chicago Bears rookie would need to learn how to identify them if he hoped to find early success.
According to multiple reports from the first practice of mandatory minicamps, Williams showcased a vital moment of progress in this department.
Caleb Williams saw the blitz coming as soon as he arrived at the line of scrimmage and knew how he’d combat it. The ball hit his hands, and Williams quickly turned and flung a side-arm pass to fellow rookie Rome Odunze for a quick blitz-beating play.
It was a moment that showcased the Bears rookie quarterback’s arm talent, intelligence, and early progress during the offseason program.
It might not be the electric scrambling play or pinpoint bomb down the field, but the moment was a sign of growth. Beating blitzes is something great quarterbacks must learn to do regularly. The fact that he could identify the Bears’ defense’s intentions before the snap and have an answer ready can’t be overstated. Moments like that are how you keep an offense on schedule and ahead of the sticks.
Caleb Williams is taking important steps at a good pace.
The Bears defense isn’t some pushover. Many view it as one of the best in the NFL. They have Pro Bowl talent everywhere and are coached by a proven play-caller in Matt Eberflus. It is a terrific education for a young quarterback. He will see every possible way defenses can attack him, which will prepare him for anything future opponents try to throw at him. The challenge will be the offense learning how to execute the plays when they recognize moments of opportunity.
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By all accounts, they aren’t there yet. Caleb Williams had a learning situation when he briefly hesitated going through progressions before firing a late pass over the middle. Kevin Byard made him pay for it with an interception. That was a classic moment for a young quarterback who was still not comfortable in the system, which is hardly a surprise. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is installing the scheme as fast as possible. There were bound to be hiccups along the way. It is about working through them.
Williams is coming along quickly. Chicago should be excited.
