NFL Analysis
9/16/24
4 min read
Bears' Caleb Williams Faces Tough Start as Offensive Line and Play-Calling Falter
The Chicago Bears offense is off to a rough start, and it's hurting the confidence of their No. 1 pick in rookie QB Caleb Williams.
Chicago couldn't get anything going in a 13-19 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football. Williams completed 23-of-37 passes but averaged just 4.7 yards per attempt with two interceptions while being sacked seven times.
Williams looked visibly banged up at times, which isn't surprising with how often he was hit. The Bears are now facing a crucial next couple of weeks to find ways to keep a clean pocket for Williams, or they'll risk him losing his confidence for the entirety of his rookie year.
What is going wrong for Caleb Williams?
Williams was the No. 1 overall pick in 2024 because of his off-script playmaking ability. Unfortunately, he's not getting away with the same kinds of plays at the NFL level.
Although he showcased his escapability against pressure on Sunday night, Williams still needs to make better decisions once he gets out of the pocket. There are times when he needs to throw the ball away instead of taking a 19-yard sack like he did in Week 1 or throwing an interception into triple coverage like he did on Sunday night.
LOCKSMITH ON LOCK 🔐
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 16, 2024
📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/ac2b2Vprzu
NFL defenses are simply too disciplined for Williams to try to make something out of nothing.
After struggling with the deep ball in Week 1, things still aren't getting better in that regard. Williams is now 0-for-9 with two interceptions and four turnover-worthy plays when passing 20-plus yards downfield. He has lost all accuracy and timing on vertical routes, both because of pressure and his decision-making.
Instead of getting comfortable with the short passing game, Williams is trying to make too much happen. It's resulted in just 4.0 yards per pass attempt, which would have ranked 59th out of 60 qualified passers in the NFL in 2023. Only Dorian Thompson-Robinson had a worse YPA in 2023, averaging 3.9 yards per pass attempt.
The Ringer's Austin Gayle points out that Williams' 3.0 net YPA through the first two weeks is the lowest of any quarterback in the last decade.
There are still some positive takeaways from Williams' Week 2 performance. He made some nice throws when stepping up in the pocket, and the video below shows how much autonomy he already has as a rookie when it comes to making pre-snap adjustments with protections and routes.
Most rookie quarterbacks aren't given that kind of freedom two games into their NFL careers. There's still plenty to clean up, but that control of the offense should help as Williams gets acclimated to reading opposing defenses.
The Bears Aren't Doing Williams Any Favors
Williams' struggles aren't all his fault. The Bears aren't doing much to help him lean into his strengths as a quarterback.
The offensive line continues to be a massive problem. Along with three false start penalties and an illegal formation on Braxton Jones, the Bears offensive line was responsible for 19 pressures in the game. Missed assignments and poor technique allowed the Texans to dominate and keep attacking the Bears' offensive line, resulting in Williams throwing while under duress on more than 42 percent of his dropbacks.
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's scheme isn't doing much for the Bears, either. A significant portion of quick-game concepts that the Bears have utilized are in the screen game. However, those screens haven't been utilized effectively enough to be an asset for the offense.
Shane Waldron can throw this one out the playbook.
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) September 16, 2024
Even if Gerald Everette doesn’t completely whiff this block this probably isn’t going anywhere. #DaBears #Beard pic.twitter.com/YpWhdPg7u0
Waldron is too eager to get the short passing game going but isn't having success. Forty-two of Williams' 66 pass attempts have been within nine yards or behind the line of scrimmage. Those passes have averaged just 4.8 yards per attempt, and his 13 attempts behind the line of scrimmage have only averaged 2.7 yards per attempt.
The run game isn't much of a weapon, either. According to TruMedia, the Bears are tied with the Miami Dolphins for last place in the NFL with 2.20 yards after contact per rushing attempt. Their 3.5 yards per carry are also 29th in the NFL, ahead of only the Buccaneers, Rams, and Raiders.
Williams may not be playing well, but a bad offensive line and questionable play calling from the offensive coordinator aren't doing the No. 1 pick any favors either.
