Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams recently lamented the misses that he has experienced while throwing on the move. That is supposed to be one of his best skills, but it has seemingly waned.
Williams spent much of this past offseason learning to play within the structure of the offense, a new scheme brought in by new head coach Ben Johnson, where rhythm and timing are key.
Bears quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett offered clear thoughts on how one is related to the other.
Caleb Williams’ Pocket Practice Not Impacting Playmaking
Bears QB Coach: Caleb Williams’ Mastering Pocket Not Impacting Playmaking
Johnson has spoken candidly about not wanting to hinder Williams’ natural ability to make plays beyond the intended structure. Barrett asserted that Williams’ effort and progress as a pocket passer were not detrimental to his natural playmaking ability.
Instead, it is just part of playing such a difficult position.
“I don’t think that’s necessarily a thing that’s part of it,” Barrett told Clocker Sports on Thursday before practice.
“We’re going to try to give our players the best chance to be successful. So with that, we’re going to have to learn and be able to adjust to some new concepts that we have each and every week. So with that, I think that’s just what it is.”
Notably, Williams’ completion percentage is 61.1% entering Week 8.
That is well below the 70% mark that Johnson set for him, but also below his 65.3% mark through as many games in 2024.
All told, Williams has 34 more passing yards, two fewer interceptions, and the same number of touchdowns this season that he did as a rookie. Perhaps as concerning, Williams’ accuracy fell to 60.9% from Week 8 (Game 7) of last season.
The Bears hope a new coaching staff, system, and reinforced roster all help Williams ascend.
Caleb Williams Owns Missed Opportunities
Williams discussed his missed throws on the move twice this week. The first was after Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Saints. He did so again before Wednesday’s practice.
“I missed about five or six, I think, on the run,” Williams told reporters after the game on October 19. “Which is extremely frustrating for me, especially just kind of how my nature’s been for the past couple years of my career. And I think if I hit those, nothing is said.”
He discussed how hitting a few of those would elevate his completion percentage, too.
“I think you go back, and you don’t throw the pick, and you complete two or three of those on-the-runs, and the efficiency … is up there with 70%. So, it comes down to super small things. And it comes down to three completions, with being able to be more efficient and keep the team on the field, and making plays. And so, that’s a collective thing,” Williams said on Wednesday.
“It starts with me. And we’ve been getting better with on-the-run efficiency and passing-wise. And then, in the pocket, we’ve been pretty solid. So, we start hitting on those on-the-runs, it opens up the offense. Because those second plays become big explosive plays after a defense called, maybe, the perfect defense. Or maybe something happened with the up front, or anything. And we start hitting on those, and big plays start happening, it looks a lot better than it did last week.”
The high end of Williams’ estimation would have led to a 73% completion mark, which he has surpassed four times in his career.
Williams will look to hit a few more throws on the move as the Bears visit the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.