Monday, October 7, 2024

Why Caleb Williams Evolving Play is Terrifying Defensive Minds Across the League

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Caleb Williams had his best performance as a pro on Sunday, lighting up the Carolina Panthers. One key area of his game that has noticeably improved over the past few weeks is his ability to handle the blitz, a challenge he struggled with earlier in the season. Now, not only is he beating the blitz—he’s thriving against it.

But it’s not just about Williams. The entire Bears offense, from the running backs to the offensive line, has been excelling at picking up blitzes. A great example of this is the touchdown pass to DJ Moore from Sunday’s game.

Blitz Caleb Williams at your own risk

Caleb Williams vs the blitz over the past 2 weeks:

  • 17/19
  • 200 passing yards
  • 2 TD
  • 0 Turnover worthy throws

Now let’s take a quick look at Caleb Williams overall stats in last three games:

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  • 70/104
  • 824 yards
  • 5 TD
  • 104.5 passer rating

Caleb Williams has consistently shown an ability to find his check-down option, especially D’Andre Swift, in recent games. His touch and ability to throw from various arm angles is special, especially when he’s navigating a crowded pocket under pressure.

Defensive coordinators typically can rattle and confuse rookie quarterbacks, but Caleb Williams is breaking the mold. By just Week 5 of his rookie season, he’s the one causing trouble for opposing defenses. The Bears are placing a lot of trust in Williams early on, and it’s paying off. He’s quickly emerging as an elite processor and an absolute weapon in the short passing game.

SourcePFF

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BearCub30
Oct 7, 2024 3:31 pm

Caleb had a great game. The one thing though that disappointed me some was the lack of deep throws. I felt we were up by enough to start working on a few 50-50 balls to Rome. This game in the 4th quarter seemed to be a perfect time to work on some weaknesses in the offense. I want Caleb to start to build confidence in his deep throws. We drafted Rome for his high point the ball ability and we need to start integrating that into our game. Once we can start confidently stretching that field sky’s the limit!

BearDownTX
Oct 7, 2024 2:39 pm

All Pro, you can only play the teams in front of you! My 45 years of Bears fandom have seen us lose many of those games to inferior teams. It’s great to see a Bears team go out and kick the Ass of a team they were supposed to whip! I, too, know there are much tougher opponents to face, but I’m not upset when we do what we are supposed to do. It “should” happen next week, too, and 4-2 into the bye sure sounds and feels a lot better than a 1-5 start like last year!!

All Pro
All Pro
Oct 7, 2024 1:16 pm

Before we start pounding our chests, realize that we just beat the worst team in the NFL, with the 2nd worse next week. When we beat GB, Det or Min, I’ll pop the cork. Meanwhile, enjoy the likely 4-2 record into the bye. Starting Nov. 17, the schedule is brutal.

Rocketrider
Rocketrider
Oct 7, 2024 11:09 am

Well Barry that would be fine. First you stop the blitzing the rookie thing, then as we’ve seen the run game opens up. Then when they try to stop the run, it’s easier to pass. Complementary football. It will still take some time for it all to come together but it’s happening.

Dr. Melhus
Oct 7, 2024 10:30 am

@Barry: Yes, Caleb has not displayed accuracy on deep balls with the Bears. That said, consider that the Panthers game had the ‘Soldier Field’ winds gusting around, so deep balls and any floated passes will be buffeted around randomly. Santos missed an EP, and Pinero missed a FG. Years ago there was a game in a windy Soldier Field, and Robbie Gould was attempting a field goal in the wind, I think a 45-50 yard kick. Wind was blowing to his right, so he aimed the kick directly at the left upright to compensate – viewers could see the ball… Read more »

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