Caleb Williams hasn't progressed in ways many expected. Most envisioned big numbers on the stat sheet. While his numbers have been more than adequate to help the Chicago Bears reach 9-3, the true revelation is the quarterback's mental evolution. His maturation this year is a crucial part of the team's success. It starts with his growing mastery of the offense, where he is able to get everybody lined up properly and diagnose what defenses are doing. The other part is the one people haven't acknowledged nearly enough.
His leadership.
The knock on Williams coming out of USC was that he was perceived as more of a me-first player. He wasn't putting in the time to be a true leader of the team, despite the insistence from teammates that was far from the case. His questionable body language and lack of vocal presence as a rookie only exacerbated the situation. A lot has changed in the past year. Going into a huge game against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, Williams had a moment in the tunnel where he faced his teammates with a message.
Cameras caught the exchange.
Caleb Williams' presence was felt.
Whatever he said must've worked because the Bears came out firing in that game. They bullied the Eagles for all four quarters, piling up 281 rushing yards and allowing just two sacks. Caleb Williams didn't have a great statistical day, continuing to battle through accuracy issues and drops from his receivers. However, he once again saved his best for the final minutes. It started with his gorgeous 28-yard touchdown pass to Cole Kmet, putting the Bears up 24-9. Then he managed to wilt away the clock with a key scramble for a first down and drawing the Eagles offside on a hard count.
The numbers aren't there yet, but Williams is in full control of this football team. They heed his voice and follow his lead. It hasn't been that way for a long time. Justin Fields and Mitch Trubisky tried. Jay Cutler never fully embraced it. Ironically, Kyle Orton felt like the last Bears QB who had a true leadership voice. Imagine what he could've been if he'd had Williams' talent.
