Ernest Jones IV, an inside linebacker for the Tennessee Titans, was part of the first NFL defense to encounter quarterback Caleb Williams. One could understand if he wasn’t impressed that day. The Chicago Bears rookie managed only 93 yards passing and completed less than 50% of his throws. While the Titans may have lost the game, it wasn’t because of Williams’ play. In a rare case, Jones would get another opportunity to play Bears after he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks during the season.
They went into Soldier Field and pulled out an ugly 6-3 win. One would think his opinion of Williams hasn’t changed. That couldn’t be further from the truth. He told Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune that the quarterback’s improvements since opening day are stark.
“They came back after the timeout (on fourth-and-5) and ends up they make the play, so it worked out for them,” Jones said. “I tell you, that kid over there is going to be special. He’s going to be truly special.
“I’ve played him twice this year. From the first game of the year to now, he’s way better. Way better. That kid is going to be special. I don’t mean to call him a kid because he’s a grown man, but he’s going to be special, 100%.”
I asked Jones how what he saw in film during preparation and then on the field differed from the Week 1 game the Bears won despite their offense.
“Decision making,” said Jones, who made six tackles Thursday. “He’s starting to get more comfortable. There’s a lot going on right now down low with his O-line. He’s making a lot of plays with his feet. Once they’re able to get a good O-line and get him protected, man, he can make all the throws. When he gets out of the pocket, he’s dangerous.
Seattle didn’t overwhelm the quarterback with disguised coverages or any other parlor tricks. Their success came from the inability of the Bears’ offensive line to pick up blitzes, undoubtedly created by the fact that three of the five blockers were backups. As a result, Caleb Williams was sacked seven times. He also had a touchdown pass called back because of a questionable holding penalty. While his numbers may not look great (122 yards and an INT), it wasn’t because he was completely useless. The circumstances around him were just that bad. That Jones acknowledged this is important to note.
It feels like if the Bears play their cards right this off-season, Williams can morph into exactly what he says. Something special. Fans have been dying for a legitimate franchise quarterback for years. It feels like they are closer to tasting it than ever before.
