2 days Ago
The Bears had breakdowns all around quarterback Caleb Williams in their 19-13 loss at the Texans on Sunday, and they certainly need better offensive line play, a strong running game and more cohesive play calling. But Williams isn't off the hook just because he's a rookie. Not at all.
While there's an acclimation period for any first-year player, Williams was touted as the most NFL-ready draft prospect in years and stepped into solid infrastructure. Most rookie quarterbacks don't start their careers with so many talented skill players or a defense that seemingly can keep the game in reach no matter how much the QB struggles. Some of what Williams did Sunday illus-trated improvement from the season opener, when he threw for just 93 yards against the Titans.
Against the Texans, he completed 23 of 37 passes for 174 yards, with more accurate throwing overall despite still having some misfires. But as Williams tried to open up his game, he became reckless. He threw two interceptions, plus another that was negated by a Texans penalty.
It's clear he's still learning that some of the incredible plays he made in college aren't viable in the NFL. Here's a closer look at the film: Side to side Williams made by far his most egregious decision midway through the third quarter — and technically, he got away with it. On second-and-nine at his own 35-yard line, he scrambled right, then threw across his body and across the field toward wide receiver Rome Odunze on the left sideline.
Everything about it looked bad. He sent it over Odunze to Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter. "You never want to throw across the field on a scramble because the [defenders] have more time, more space to close," Bears coach Matt Eberflus said Monday.
"That's just a great learning experience for him and exposure for him to be able to learn from...
Jason Lieser.
