One thing you learn from following the Chicago Bears beat is that certain guys seem to relish the role of the antithesis. That is to say, they treat optimism and positivity as if they were pestilence. Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune is one such example. However, most would agree that the poster boy for this specific personality is Mark Potash. The longtime Chicago Sun-Times columnist has developed a reputation for actively trolling both the Bears and the fans whenever things go wrong. Has Caleb Williams changed that?
Over the years, the quarterback position has been among Potash’s favorite targets. Potash has targeted every starter with pointed barbs at every opportunity, twisting the knife in the eyes of Bears fans. However, maybe the man is softening after such a long time. Last year, he praised the organization for acquiring D.J. Moore, believing it was one of the best moves they’d made in years. Now, he entered forbidden territory by stating the unthinkable: Chicago has gotten a lot better at quarterback with Williams.
He explained on Kap & J.Hood for ESPN 1000.
The buzz around Caleb Williams is getting serious.
Potash isn’t the first to express intrigue and excitement around the young quarterback. Wiederer has, as well. The #1 overall pick continues showing flashes of brilliance in practice. Don’t forget he’s working exclusively against the starting defense. That means he has to make plays against what should be a top-10 unit this season. By all accounts, he’s done that. What stands out is his accuracy and touch. Almost every throw he makes is on target, meaning the defense has to play consistently well to avoid giving up big plays.
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Potash was quick to point out they have been winning most of the team drills. None of that should be a surprise. Not only is Williams a rookie, but the entire offense is starting over in a new offense under Shane Waldron. The defense has played in the same scheme for three years. It would be concerning if they weren’t looking like the sharper unit. For Williams to still look competent in the face of all that is why Potash is encouraged and why Bears fans should be thrilled.
@TGena Just a short mention of PFF. I too am a subscriber for the year. Just be aware that the PFF grades are often stilted and sometimes have a bias toward certain aspects. I’ve found this to be true reading other sites analyses. Just a comment on the PFF site itself, not your use of them in this case.
@TGena More, more, more please. This is what I said time and time again. You can be the best analyst here. Just understand that I appreciate that portion of your long list of posts. My pointed insult about not having supporters is way off the mark in this case. You’re too smart to fall into the trap of petty insults towards Poles or anyone for that matter. I accept being wrong when I am. I hope this kind of analysis continues. I’m a stat junkie when those stats are relevant to a discussion and not an excuse to put someone… Read more »
@Dr. Steven Sallie —
Thank you for your kind words.
Our host, Erik Lambert’s sports talk site wouldn’t be half the fun it is without interesting people like you (and a few others I won’t mention, but we know who they are).
Please keep the provocative takes and the globetrotter notes coming. (My passport is currently expired — and I miss European travel more than ever.)
P.S I know this is a spiteful aside — but how many languages do you speak, Doctor?
Asking for some friends.
PPS Happy Trails!
Evaluating QBs “by the numbers” (particularly those on NFL vs. NCAA teams) is always a difficult task. Statistics and data tell only part of the complete story (the “eyeball test” still has its role) but the measurements below reveal a pattern. TTT (time to throw) is a temporal measurement that starts with the snap of the ball and ends at the release of the ball — and despite the obvious on-field variables: teams, schemes, opponents, playing conditions, etc. — provides compelling evidence for the presence of desirable NFL QB traits. The TTT data that I listed previously for Williams (3.16… Read more »
@TGena only: you are too good for this site. No person comes close to the quality of data, analysis, and raw guts. Sorry, if this is embarrassing, but I had to say it at least once and then done. I do not follow anyone, and this site has been the only non-political, non-academic, non-global, non-literary, non-scientific one I visit. No reaction is necessary.