If anybody has a right to be upset with the Chicago Bears offensive line, it’s Caleb Williams. The rookie quarterback has been sacked 67 times this season, the most in franchise history. While he won’t touch the NFL record of 76, it is a clear sign of how weak the blocking has been on offense. Part of that comes down to injuries. Braxton Jones is on IR. Teven Jenkins is ailing with a calf problem. Nate Davis was already cut. Their only bright spot has been right tackle Darnell Wright.
Many see this as an indictment of GM Ryan Poles. His failure to invest heavily enough in the trenches has led to Williams experiencing this beating for the past 16 games. The quarterback has every reason to be upset. He’s not, though. The rookie stood before the media on Wednesday and was asked about the offensive line situation. He made it crystal clear that he is tired of the criticism. Those guys work their butts off blocking for him, and a lot of the sacks taken this season weren’t on them.
He’s not naive. What he said is true. Several of the sacks taken this year came from his failure to unload the ball when he should’ve. It is one of the biggest criticisms most have levied against him. However, quarterbacks can’t be held responsible for 67 sacks. That only happens when the blocking is bad, which it has been. Yet the fact he is still willing to go to bat for them speaks to his maturity as a leader. He understands the basic responsibility of the quarterback.
When things are good, everybody else gets credit. When things are bad, the quarterback gets the blame. It is rare for a rookie to master this mentality. It is another sign that the Bears are in good hands. Caleb Williams will always defend his guys. The next step for the organization is bringing in ones who can actually block. Thankfully, they have the resources to make it happen. Whether GM Ryan Poles or his replacement can pull it off is another story.
