This past Saturday, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears showcased his skills in an ongoing preseason clash against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking his second individual performance and the team’s third game of the series.
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In a strategic move by head coach X, Williams took on a limited role, completing 6 of 13 passes for a total of 75 yards, averaging a steady 5.8 yards per attempt. He was sacked once and closed the game with a passer rating of 64.6.
The 22-year-old is quickly gaining recognition for his impressive passing speed, accuracy, and adaptability in the pocket, making him a standout quarterback in recent drafts.
Bears fans have especially taken note of Williams’ knack for improvisation when plays don’t go as planned. Check out this highlight where he dodges Bengals defenders to secure a seven-yard rushing touchdown:
His unique skill set helped him become a top pick in the quarterback-rich 2024 NFL Draft.
Over his three-year college career with both the Oklahoma Sooners and USC Trojans, Williams amassed a notable record of 23-10 in 37 games, with 33 starts. He completed 735 of 1,099 passing attempts at an impressive 66.9% completion rate, totaling 9,782 yards, 93 touchdowns, and only 14 interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 169.3. His prowess as a dual-threat quarterback is also evident, as he rushed for 966 yards and 27 touchdowns on 289 carries.
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Now following Tom Brady’s disciplined “TB12 Diet,” the 2022 Heisman Trophy recipient previously threw for 95 yards in a stellar 4-for-7 performance during his NFL debut, contributing to the Bears’ 33-6 victory over the Buffalo Bills last week.
In his Heisman-winning season, he led the Cardinal and Gold to an 11-3 record, culminating in a Cotton Bowl Classic showdown against Tulane. He posted 4,537 passing yards and 42 touchdowns with only five interceptions, alongside accolades like the Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award, and was recognized as a unanimous All-American.
Read More: Bears’ Caleb Williams Embraces Tom Brady’s Training Regimen
As this article is being written, backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is at the helm, leading the Bears to a dominant 27-3 score over the Bengals late in the fourth quarter, with Bagent throwing for two touchdowns. The Bears are poised to improve their preseason record to 3-0.
Looking ahead, the Bears are set to face the formidable Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday. Given that Chiefs coach Andy Reid tends to utilize his veterans more during preseason, this upcoming matchup will provide a significant challenge for Chicago and Williams.