Sports
CALED Williams’ ability to learn is what sets him apart from other rookie quarterbacks, Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus has said.
The Bears selected Williams with the first pick of this year’s draft and he put on a stunning show in London as he led his side to a 35-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Chicago fell behind in a forgettable first quarter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but the 22-year-old Williams outshone Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, throwing four touchdowns in a scintillating performance.
Asked what sets Williams apart, Eberflus said: “His ability to learn and grow, and want to get better. This year’s a big year for him.
“He’s always been good enough, but he’s learning the game, our offence and their skillsets, so that we can really expand our offence during the course of the season.”
The Bears went into the game with a 3-2 record, with Williams steadily improving and leading them to victory in their previous two games.
Having thrown five touchdowns across his first five games, Williams threw four on Sunday alone.
When running with the ball, he is doing it more effectively. He rushed for 56 yards on Sunday at an average of 14 yards per carry – his best yet on both counts.
After having a pass completion rate of 48.3% on his debut, that figure has gradually improved to 79.3% on Sunday.
Against the Jaguars he took off, finding tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver Keenan Allen twice each in the end zone.
His understanding with D’Andre Swift in the running game looks to be developing with each outing and he showed his versatility with some quick feet when rushing.
Williams threw four interceptions in his opening three games. In Sunday’s win, he threw his first in three games and was quick to highlight it was an area where he needed to improve.
‘There are a few things I’ve got to be better at’
In his on-field interview immediately after the match, Williams said: “It felt great. Obviously we’ve got to keep getting better and I can’t turn the ball over like that with a wide open touchdown to DJ Moore.
“There were a few things going on throughout the game that I’ve got to be better at, but the progress we’ve had is going to keep growing.
“We have great leaders and great personalities in this team.
“A bunch of guys contributed throughout the whole game, and then the offensive line to be able to do what they do, I’ll always have love for the big guys and how they protect us. We wouldn’t have this type of game without them.”
The Bears lost two of their first three games this season but now find themselves 4-2 in a competitive NFC North. The Bears are on a bye week next week.
“I think his [Williams’] confidence week to week is growing,” said Kmet, 25, on the pitch after the game.
“He’s a special talent and a special person and I’m excited to see where this goes.”
On Sky Sports’ coverage, former NFL cornerback Jason Bell said it had been “an honour” to watch Williams in action, adding: “He’s making things look really easy and simple and that’s because of his command of this offence.”
– BBCSport
A.I
Oct. 14, 2024
Tags: Caleb Williams Matt Eberflus
