Successful NFL quarterbacks tend to share a common trait: they remain calm in chaos. When the pocket inevitably crumbles around them, their eyes remain downfield, and they find the open receiver. Most times, it's not their first or even second read, too.
Justin Fields doesn't have this trait. He's a rare athlete who made up for his lacking pocket presence by escaping with dazzling quicks, an average quarterback in an incredible playmaker's body. Fun to watch, for sure. But he lost his job with the Chicago Bears because he never proved that he could elevate his game to that Super Bowl level.
Through the first handful of Chicago Bears training camp practices, Caleb Williams is proving to be different. A 'good' different. That sort of 'special' different. He owns the pocket, he thrives in chaos, and despite being a rookie in his first week competing against a high-level pro-defense, he's looking off defenders and connecting with his targets downfield.
I’d have to see another angle…
— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL) July 23, 2024
But watch how Caleb Williams looks off Tremaine Edmunds (49) to create a clear flight path and hit DJ Moore for the big completion.
pic.twitter.com/CwVjCEBHKw
When was the last time the Bears had a quarterback who could take ownership of the pocket? Who could win even if the offensive line loses? I think the answer is... never. Mitch Trubisky couldn't do it. Jay Cutler couldn't, either. Keep scrolling through the long list of past Bears passers, and it's a collection of fumbling and bumbling failures at the position.
And, remember: Caleb Williams isn't just a pocket passer. He's a legitimate dual threat.
Ka-chow ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/cyCb1rhuqn
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 24, 2024
It's exciting to see Williams already showcasing the skill set that made him the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He hasn't been perfect in training camp, but he's been more promising than any recent highly-touted QB who's tried to end Chicago's curse.
Bears fans hope to see Caleb Williams make his NFL preseason debut in the Hall of Fame game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, Aug. 1.