If anybody has a right to be upset with the Chicago Bears offensive line, it’s Caleb Williams. The rookie quarterback has been sacked 67 times this season, the most in franchise history. While he won’t touch the NFL record of 76, it is a clear sign of how weak the blocking has been on offense. Part of that comes down to injuries. Braxton Jones is on IR. Teven Jenkins is ailing with a calf problem. Nate Davis was already cut. Their only bright spot has been right tackle Darnell Wright.
Many see this as an indictment of GM Ryan Poles. His failure to invest heavily enough in the trenches has led to Williams experiencing this beating for the past 16 games. The quarterback has every reason to be upset. He’s not, though. The rookie stood before the media on Wednesday and was asked about the offensive line situation. He made it crystal clear that he is tired of the criticism. Those guys work their butts off blocking for him, and a lot of the sacks taken this season weren’t on them.
Once again, Caleb Williams takes accountability.
He’s not naive. What he said is true. Several of the sacks taken this year came from his failure to unload the ball when he should’ve. It is one of the biggest criticisms most have levied against him. However, quarterbacks can’t be held responsible for 67 sacks. That only happens when the blocking is bad, which it has been. Yet the fact he is still willing to go to bat for them speaks to his maturity as a leader. He understands the basic responsibility of the quarterback.
When things are good, everybody else gets credit. When things are bad, the quarterback gets the blame. It is rare for a rookie to master this mentality. It is another sign that the Bears are in good hands. Caleb Williams will always defend his guys. The next step for the organization is bringing in ones who can actually block. Thankfully, they have the resources to make it happen. Whether GM Ryan Poles or his replacement can pull it off is another story.
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I wonder what people expect Caleb to say? If he says the OL stinks and isn’t letting him have time to throw, he’s a whiner, and the team will turn on him. He’ll have a ton more problems than he does as things are now. If he calls out the coaching – both the blocking schemes and the offensive calls – then he’s a finger pointer. The coaches will turn on him. If he calls out Ryan Poles, he’s an ingrate. Poles made him the first pick in the draft where arguably, he was not the best QB taken. If… Read more »
The single biggest issue causing all the sacks, not the only one, but definitely the biggest is that the blocking schemes are either poorly designed or more likely, poorly taught. How many times do you need to hear “attention to details” from players, the head coach, the GM, analysts and everyone else with an opinion to realize it? The Bears offensive line consistently misses picking up pass rushers. Simple twists, and rushing 5 out of 6 guys lined up close to the line of scrimmage where the lineman (as well as QB, RB’s and TE’s) always seem to be picking… Read more »
Gibberish. “Anyone,” “anyone,” “Some people,” ” many think,” is this anything close to journalism?
If Williams doesn’t defend this pathetic O-line, he may as well buy a burial plot before his last game.
Last year Fields got sacked 6 times against the Packers in the last game. Mostly, staying in the pocket like Getsy wanted, holding the ball and the pocket collapsing.
Oh I smell fresh meat and new blood on this site, or are they?
@Moonshiner64….you do have some things correct HOWEVER the GM is responsible for finding good coaches(which Poles hasnt). Darnold and Mayfield are finding success not only because of the coaches which your right about but also because they are on more talented teams. Darnold never had a good run game along with Jefferson and Addison to throw to. Mayfield never had a Evans to throw to. That comes down to teams finding talent(Poles did not do). Also the Owner hired this GM so yes the owner is at fault too. It all starts at the top brother. Your right about DCs… Read more »