Former Bear Urges Team To Avoid Caleb Williams
The Chicago Bears are 1-5. Justin Fields dislocated his thumb on Sunday against Minnesota. Depending on MRI results later this week, he will miss at least one game and could miss more. It’s hard not to feel like the season is over, as is Fields’ tenure in Chicago. Most believe the organization will look to start fresh at quarterback in 2024, likely armed with two top-5 picks. Caleb Williams is the hottest name among possible options. Many have had the USC star pegged as the top option since the end of last season.
Some have gone so far as to say Williams is the best prospect since Andrew Luck. While that might be a bit excessive, there is no denying the guy is talented. Most experts see a player who can alter the trajectory of a franchise. Not everybody is impressed, though. Former Bears linebacker Lance Briggs has watched Williams several times over the past three years. Nothing he’s seen tells him he will be any different from what Chicago already has in Fields. They’re basically the same type of quarterback.
Unless the Bears can find a QB in the draft that plays better from the pocket, he’s focusing on the offensive line.
Briggs isn’t the only one with this concern about Caleb Williams.
Adam Jahns of The Athletic did a scouting report on the USC quarterback recently. Like many others, he watched Williams have the worst game of his career against Notre Dame, in which he threw three interceptions and absorbed six sacks. It exposed one of the few things about his style of play many don’t like: his tendency to hold the ball.
“Williams has excelled against bad defenses this season but struggled against a great one.
Doesn’t that sound familiar? It’s a storyline playing out right now for the Bears and quarterback Justin Fields after it did for Mitch Trubisky.
Williams’ protection also broke down against Notre Dame. It was an issue that was raised with Riley after the game.
But doesn’t that sound familiar, too?”
He’s not known for quick reads and getting the ball out fast. He leans on his athleticism to escape pressure. That works fine in college but will get you into trouble against NFL defenses. No doubt many hope he can get over such shortcomings in a more pro-style offense, but people had the same hopes about Fields. The similarities between the two are impossible to ignore. Briggs is correct. Drafting Caleb Williams would be like replacing Fields with another Fields.
Of course, no two players are exactly the same. Williams could end up figuring out what Fields failed to do. However, the fact a seven-time Pro Bowler has these reservations is worth noting.