The Chicago Bears appear set on selecting a quarterback #1 overall this April. Almost everybody believes that quarterback will be Caleb Williams. While there is a minor debate about whether he is the true QB1 of this class, most agree he is an elite prospect. Some, though, have concerns about him. Among the biggest is his tendency to play what they call “hero ball.” That is to say, he holds onto the ball a lot, hoping to find a big player when things don’t go as drawn up. Bears fans are understandably nervous when they hear that because it is the same problem Justin Fields suffers from.
Why would the Bears change quarterbacks if they end up getting the same type of player? It would make more sense to keep Fields and build elsewhere. This is where it is important to watch the tape more carefully. Draft expert Trevor Sikkema has studied Williams a lot. He came away with an interesting conclusion that helps to differentiate the USC standout from Fields. He explained on the NFL Stock Exchange podcast. While Williams does hold the ball, it is only when plays break down and he’s forced to improvise.
When playing within structure, he gets the ball out on time consistently.
Caleb Williams must learn not to don the cape all the time.
Trying to be Superman on every play of a football game is a surefire way for a quarterback to get injured, take a bad sack, or commit a turnover. These problems have plagued Fields since he came into the league. Williams has a better foundation for avoiding that issue. He sees things well enough and shows comfort in the pocket. The trick is getting him to accept taking check-downs in certain situations or throwing the ball away in others. He doesn’t have to make magic all the time. Only when it’s necessary.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
This is the same growth process Patrick Mahomes went through in his early career. He constantly searched for the big play. It took time for coaches to teach him to make the right reads and take what the defense gives you. He’s not all scrambling and creating anymore. Mahomes coupled that with the ability of a true game manager. It is why he is the most lethal quarterback today. Caleb Williams has the capacity to make that same leap. It falls on the Bears coaching staff to get it out of him.
Wanderings, hard to believe you watched all of CWs plays over the last two years. CW makes throws that fields can’t. Lots of them. In the pocket and out. His instincts are superior. Fields uses speed when out of the pocket. CW uses moves. Defenders are falling all over the place trying to grab him. Hard to teach that. There is no question there are risks with CW. As with mahomes, CW will only be generational if he evolves his game as mahomes did. If he only sticks w the same approach in NFL, he will bust. Same can be… Read more »
@wickedasitseems.. then maybe CW is the best choice since he already has a whole bunch of money..??
CW is without a doubt QB1 in this draft. And hopefully QB1 in Chicago next season 🙂. I’m not sure what an “NFL body” is.. but I’d say a body thats extremely similar to Pat Mahomes and Jalen Hurts should do just fine in the NFL.
I just don’t see Caleb Williams as elite or better than Justin Fields, and I’ve watched CW’s every play of the last two years! I don’t understand why people are pushing this guy so hard to be something that even his numbers don’t say he is. And, If Caleb Williams doesn’t have a NFL body then he can’t be a ‘generational player’. Period!
Who should you believe TWTY? What’s the matter bud, no mirrors in your house??!