The Chicago Bears offense had a somewhat difficult weekend. Over the 48-hour span, their operation was less than smooth, plagued by penalties, missed opportunities, and occasional turnovers. Unsurprisingly, the defense made sure to let them hear about it every chance they got. While not unexpected, it was tough for fans to swallow with excitement building so much from the spring. Caleb Williams hasn’t been the biggest concern offensively. Far from it. However, he wasn’t immune to mistakes, either.
Monday offered him the first opportunity to regain some momentum. He seized it. Playing inside due to thunderstorms, the quarterback was much sharper. He hit the starting defense with two impressive touchdown throws to Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen, respectively. Also, the offense tallied zero false starts after five on Saturday. It wasn’t a decisive victory but a good palate cleanser. Williams was asked about the practice and where he feels his progress is as the calendar shifts to August.
“Exactly where I need to be and where they want me to be. I’m excited. Every day I wake up, I’m learning something new. Getting ready for the season, preseason and these next practices. Very excited, still progressing. But we’re towards the end of install right now for this portion, which is very exciting. To think that not too long ago, I didn’t really know anything about this offense, and now I know a lot more than I did. So, progressing, excited and ready to go.”
He didn’t let some tough practices discourage him. Quite the opposite. He used them as motivation to improve. This is why head coach Matt Eberflus is pitting him against the #1 defense in the first place. This is the kind of challenge he will see every Sunday. The sooner he learns how to execute against them, the better he will be against everybody else. Williams hasn’t looked like a normal rookie. Aside from some off-target throws, he’s managed to conduct himself above expectations despite some disjointed issues around him.
Many are concerned about the offensive line, which hasn’t held up well against the Bears’ defensive front. The interior remains uncertain. Nate Davis is out again with an injury. Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton haven’t determined a winner at center. Teven Jenkins has a well-documented track record of poor health as well. If the Bears want Caleb Williams to excel right away, they have to get that protection figured out. Meanwhile, the young quarterback continues to progress.
