The Bears Covet the Experience Caleb Williams Possesses the Most
The Bears are in search of a quarterback in the draft who possesses the invaluable skill of orchestrating comebacks. Finding someone adept at competing in tight games and thriving in the pressure of fourth quarters is paramount.
Such individuals are a rarity in college football, where quarterbacks for successful teams often encounter few close contests. However, if the Bears were to draft Caleb Williams, they would acquire a prospect who aligns more closely with this profile compared to Justin Fields.
Coach Matt Eberflus, primarily known for his defensive expertise, acknowledges his limited offensive acumen but asserts his lifelong scrutiny of quarterbacks. He emphasizes the importance of a quarterback who can create plays, exhibit precise timing and accuracy in passing, and excel in critical moments such as third downs and two-minute drills.
While Williams may not be hailed as the next Captain Comeback akin to Jim Harbaugh with the Colts, he has demonstrated proficiency in navigating tight situations throughout his college career. Conversely, Fields lacked experience in this domain during his college years and struggled in the fourth quarter in the NFL, recording the worst quarterback rating over the last three seasons.
Fields' deficiency in handling close games raises questions about the rationale behind the Bears' significant draft maneuvering. Despite Fields managing only one fourth-quarter comeback in college and none in the NFL, the Bears moved up in the draft to secure him.
In contrast, Williams enters the league with a more robust track record in clutch situations. His exploits include engineering comebacks and game-winning drives during his collegiate tenure:
- In 2021, while at Oklahoma, Williams engineered a memorable comeback against Texas, orchestrating seven scoring drives in nine possessions and securing victory with a touchdown run in the final moments.- He also spearheaded a fourth-quarter comeback against Kansas the same year.- In 2022, at USC, Williams engineered two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to seal a victory over Oregon State.- In 2023, he orchestrated a remarkable comeback against Cal, leading three consecutive touchdown drives in the fourth quarter, resulting in a narrow victory.
Williams' proficiency in navigating pressure-packed situations makes him a promising prospect for the Bears, offering them a quarterback capable of turning the tide in close contests and crucial moments.
