Caleb Williams had himself a strong showing in Buffalo against the Bills last weekend. He went 4-of-7 for 95 yards and led two scoring drives. Two of those incompletions were drops by Cole Kmet and D.J. Moore. However, there was one play on the first drive where it looked like Williams threw a reckless pass that could’ve been intercepted. Most chalked it up to a rookie making a bad decision. The play was negated by an illegal contact penalty anyway. However, the Hard Knocks cameras for HBO flipped that script this week.
It turns out Williams was valid in his targeting of Rome Odunze on the play. The wide receiver ran a good route and probably would’ve been open. There was one problem. The Bills defensive back held him, not once but multiple times. You can clearly see fistfuls of jersey throughout the play. Head coach Matt Eberflus even shouted it.
Caleb Williams should’ve had an easy completion.
The only reason the defender almost had an interception was because he got away with a mugging. Sadly, that is a fact of life in the NFL sometimes. Odunze figures to see plenty of such tactics in his career. He’ll learn how to deal with it. He deserves credit for having the presence of mind to play defense once it was clear the Bills had a shot at the interception. The disappointing debut doesn’t seem to have affected his confidence. He and Caleb Williams linked up for multiple big plays in practice on Tuesday. Their connection continues to grow. It is only a matter of time before they start hitting on passes in games. Odunze is far too talented for it not to happen. Here’s hoping the refs actually see with their eyes for once.
Don’t sell yourself short TGena!!!😆
The great thing about hard Knocks is the NFL is highlighting the Bears. This should lead to better calls from the refs. The crap they have had to endure the last few seasons should go away. Like looking at the other sideline and getting a taunting call. Blows to the QB late and head shots but no call? Doubt that kind of stuff will happen nearly as much. The NFL wants the Bears to be successful as it’s good for the league. They won’t let Caleb Williams become a punching bag.
The real Dr. Is in the house! Great comment Dr. Melhus. Spot on.
Great article Erik!! It was definitely pass interference and Hardknocks has had some great angles and insight to these plays. King 👑 Poles is making Ryan Pace look more and more like the worst GM in history!!
“hey that’s cheating”
“well if ya ain’t cheatin- ya ain’t tryin”
Jerry Glanville