The Chicago Bears appear set on selecting a quarterback #1 overall this April. Almost everybody believes that quarterback will be Caleb Williams. While there is a minor debate about whether he is the true QB1 of this class, most agree he is an elite prospect. Some, though, have concerns about him. Among the biggest is his tendency to play what they call “hero ball.” That is to say, he holds onto the ball a lot, hoping to find a big player when things don’t go as drawn up. Bears fans are understandably nervous when they hear that because it is the same problem Justin Fields suffers from.
Why would the Bears change quarterbacks if they end up getting the same type of player? It would make more sense to keep Fields and build elsewhere. This is where it is important to watch the tape more carefully. Draft expert Trevor Sikkema has studied Williams a lot. He came away with an interesting conclusion that helps to differentiate the USC standout from Fields. He explained on the NFL Stock Exchange podcast. While Williams does hold the ball, it is only when plays break down and he’s forced to improvise.
When playing within structure, he gets the ball out on time consistently.
Trying to be Superman on every play of a football game is a surefire way for a quarterback to get injured, take a bad sack, or commit a turnover. These problems have plagued Fields since he came into the league. Williams has a better foundation for avoiding that issue. He sees things well enough and shows comfort in the pocket. The trick is getting him to accept taking check-downs in certain situations or throwing the ball away in others. He doesn’t have to make magic all the time. Only when it’s necessary.
This is the same growth process Patrick Mahomes went through in his early career. He constantly searched for the big play. It took time for coaches to teach him to make the right reads and take what the defense gives you. He’s not all scrambling and creating anymore. Mahomes coupled that with the ability of a true game manager. It is why he is the most lethal quarterback today. Caleb Williams has the capacity to make that same leap. It falls on the Bears coaching staff to get it out of him.
