Last week, alarm bells went off when the Chicago Bears defense made life difficult for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams during a media-attended OTA practice. Some wondered if this was a sign the #1 overall pick might be having trouble adjusting to NFL defenses as feared. Coaches weren’t concerned about it. They knew there would be growing pains. All signs to that point indicated Williams had absorbed the offense well. Besides, the Bears defense isn’t a slouch. It finished among the best in the league last season.
Well, it appears Williams may not have forgotten that setback. The next time the media attended practice, he decided to put on a show. According to multiple beat writers, the young quarterback was almost flawless through both 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s. He diced up the defense most of the afternoon, hitting for big chunk plays, including a touchdown to D.J. Moore. There was even a two-minute drill in which he had only one incompletion. What stood out the most was how accurate and on-time he was with most of his throws.
Caleb Williams reminded everybody why he went #1 overall.
People were so focused on his mobility and improvisational skills that they forgot he’s also a pretty sharp passer from the pocket. People will be quick to say he did this without having to face the Bears’ starting secondary. To that, you should note two things. Keenan Allen wasn’t present either. Also, most other secondaries in the NFL aren’t as strong as the Bears have. What people saw on Friday is closer to what Williams will see most weeks. That is a good sign.
If nothing else, this is an indication of progress. One of the biggest concerns about Justin Fields was his ongoing inability to master how to throw with timing and anticipation, even in his third year. Caleb Williams seems to already have that issue resolved. He’s been doing it in multiple practices for weeks. His goal isn’t learning how to play the position. It is getting comfortable in the new offense. Coaches seem encouraged with his progress. He will be ready for training camp.
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