Caleb Williams delivered the best performance of his young career on Sunday. The number may not reflect it, with 220 yards passing, 63 rushing, and two touchdowns. However, once you watch the tape, you see a player who was in complete control. Six of his passes were dropped, including a sure touchdown to Olamide Zacchaeus and another that D.J. Moore had a shot at. Above all, it was his ability to evade the New York Giants' strong pass rush that stood out the most. They couldn't bring him down, and it ultimately cost them the game.
This wasn't a quarterback running for his life. Williams often seemed calculated in his decisions, spinning out of danger, which opened up new throwing windows. It flies in the face of all those experts who kept saying such a playing style would never work in the NFL. This is despite loads of evidence to the contrary. It was always about learning to weaponize it rather than rely on it. Matt Waldman of Footballguys is one of the more respected film analysts in the business. He dropped a comment that should have Bears fans more than a little hyped.
Caleb Williams and Lamar Jackson share many similarities.
Both were Heisman winners in college. Both were electric athletes who could make plays with their legs. Each came in with no experience playing a pro-style offense. That left questions about whether they would be able to adapt to the NFL. As we know, Jackson became one of the best in the game, winning two MVP awards and rewriting the record books in Baltimore. He became a great pocket passer who used his legs when he wanted, not as a crutch. The same thing is happening with Caleb Williams.
His ability to throw from the pocket has taken a significant step forward this season. While his completion percentage can stand to improve, he's gotten much better at managing the game in spots rather than constantly searching for the big play. Couple that with using his legs to create more time to throw or take off and run, and it is giving defenses fits.
Will he reach Jackson's epic height? There is no way to know. If he even gets close, the Bears are set up for a long run of success.
