# Caleb Williams and the 2024 Bears: a poll **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-nfl\ **Created:** [August 2, 2024, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154 "2024-08-02T14:48:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2024, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/81 "2024-11-14T16:05:19Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > He’s suddenly not the best athlete on the field. It’s like these things keep happening over and over without explanation… ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2024, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/82 "2024-11-14T16:30:33Z")
Not to mention it also states: - Averse to playing throw-and-catch football on schedule. - Eyes can become sticky and sluggish working through progressions. - Must learn to throw with better anticipation/timing on the NFL level. - Hero-ball mentality creates indecisiveness and inconsistent decision-making. - Will throw on the move unnecessarily rather than platform up. - Passes up easy scramble yardage for more challenging throws. All things we’re _still_ seeing with the Bears. The poor coaching certainly isn’t helping, but these were all known problems that he had going into the draft. He’s probably not ready to be on an NFL field right now, but they painted themselves into a corner by trading Fields because they didn’t want any QB controversies, LOL. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2024, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/83 "2024-11-14T23:27:50Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > He’s suddenly not the best athlete on the field. He got away with that stuff at USC because he wasn’t playing NFL-caliber defenses. “Just run around and make a play” is not a viable NFL game plan. That has nothing to do with the deep ball accuracy issues. Yeah, he’s getting sacked in the NFL where he kept plays alive in college, that’s expected, but the NFL athletes aren’t explaining the ball placement problems. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2024, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/84 "2024-11-14T23:54:05Z")
That’s interesting, but his stats don’t seem to bear that out. > **[Caleb Williams Scouting Report](https://thephillyblitz.com/2024/04/18/caleb-williams-scouting-report/)** > > Caleb Williams, QB Measurements: Height: 6’1 Weight: 214lbs Classification: Junior School: Southern California Testing Numbers: Arm: 32” Hand: 9 3/4” 40: N/A Broad: N/A Vert: N/A Prospect Bio Caleb… > #### Passing Depth > > - **Freshman:** > > - **Sophomore** : > > - **Junior** : I also stumbled on this highly critical Caleb video from before the draft. [YouTube](https://youtu.be/LlnHXlrdW1c?si=NMJ70NGIts4rDfmH) Many of his problems are accurately highlighted here, but in the video deep ball accuracy was not one of them. In fact, that’s an area where this dude actually gives him some flowers. It’s just surprising. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2024, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/85 "2024-11-14T23:59:20Z")
And it’s not like accuracy isn’t fixable. Josh Allen had an accuracy of 52% as a rookie, but his overall career accuracy is 63%. That’s still not great, but it’s not abysmal. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2024, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/86 "2024-11-15T14:32:49Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > That’s interesting, but his stats don’t seem bear that out. First, love the word-play. Second, maybe send that info to [NFL.com](http://NFL.com), because I was just pointing out their opinion, not endorsing it. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2024, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/87 "2024-11-15T21:50:10Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > And it’s not like accuracy isn’t fixable. I’m not entirely sure I agree with that. While some accuracy issues are situational, some are intrinsic. If the accuracy issues are a result of a player constantly throwing under pressure, you can block better and call different plays. If the accuracy issues are a result of bad footwork and/or constantly throwing off a bad base, you can sometimes coach that out. But that’s no sure thing. If the accuracy issues are a scheme mismatch, i.e. a player who’s bad at throwing on the move being asked to roll out a lot or a player with a weaker arm being asked to constantly stretch the field, you can change coaches or game plan to improve it. But if the player is just inaccurate on basic throws, I think that’s who he is. And to say I’m worried would be an understatement. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2024, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/88 "2024-11-15T21:52:40Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > But if the player is just inaccurate on basic throws, I think that’s who he is. And to say I’m worried would be an understatement. I’m sure you’re correct on this. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/89 "2024-11-30T16:46:48Z")
Although I was leaning towards bust before the first game I think it’s very clear now that coaching was actively hurting him. That debacle this week should never have happened. If it wasn’t for the coach Caleb would have had a chance to pull it off. Time management is something a young QB will develop. The coach is directly responsible for that. In this case the timeout should have been called from the sidelines. I understand the firing. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/90 "2024-11-30T17:41:02Z")
Was Caleb not allowed to call timeout? I thought QBs still have that authority. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/91 "2024-11-30T17:46:05Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > Was Caleb not allowed to call timeout? Unclear; it’s possible that he was under instructions to not do so (but to rather let the TO be called from the sideline). But, as far as the rules go, yes, the QB is allowed to call a time out. This Bleacher Report article, quoting a radio interview with Williams, says that he (probably) _could_ have, but that he wasn’t comfortable doing so in that situation: > [@](#): > > According to [Chris Emma](https://x.com/CEmma670/status/1862258754151940454) of 670 The Score, Williams indicated he was not comfortable calling a timeout in that situation and left it up to the coaches, saying: “I’m trying to make a play for the Chicago Bears.” > > Per ESPN’s [Courtney Cronin](https://x.com/CourtneyRCronin/status/1862258750461014435), Williams added: “In that situation, I’m living with the call and letting coaches make that decision. … Maybe in the later years of my career [he may call a timeout himself], right now I get the call and I’m trying to lead my team to a win.” > **[Bears' Caleb Williams Discusses Not Calling Timeout Before Final Play in...](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145129-bears-caleb-williams-discusses-not-calling-timeout-before-final-play-in-lions-loss)** > > Following the Chicago Bears' 23-20 road loss to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams explained what happened during a… ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/92 "2024-11-30T17:51:51Z")
Gotcha. As horrible as Eberflus’ coaching tenure was, I actually think his strategy wasn’t bad in that clock situation. It made good sense to let the clock keep running, snap the ball at about 00:15, throw a pass or run the ball for some gain, move the ball to maybe the 25-yard line, keep the clock running again, and then call timeout so that it’s fourth down with maybe 2 seconds remaining. The problem was that the Bears offense took far too long to get the next play started. There was no reason for them to wait til 00:06 to snap the ball. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/93 "2024-11-30T17:54:29Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > It made good sense to let the clock keep running, throw a pass or run the ball for some yardage gain, move the ball to maybe the 25-yard line and then call timeout so that it’s fourth down with maybe 5-10 seconds remaining. > > The problem was that the Bears offense took far too long to get things going. There was no reason for them to wait til 00:06 to snap the ball. Oh, absolutely. The core of the coaching failure there was in just sitting there and watching the clock running down, and _not_ stepping in and burning that timeout before the only remaining option became a low-percentage pass towards the end zone. It’s also probably a coaching failure to have left your quarterback feeling like he isn’t empowered to take matters into his own hands when the clock is winding down. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/94 "2024-11-30T18:45:01Z")
Ideally the QB runs the hurry up. But Caleb isn’t Brady, Rogers or Mahomes. He’s a rookie and has to be guided. At 26 seconds when it was obvious they weren’t getting up to the line in time the time out should have been called from the sidelines. Especially since it appeared that there was no played called and he had to take the time to audible. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/95 "2024-11-30T18:58:26Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > But Caleb isn’t Brady, Rogers or Mahomes. He’s a rookie and has to be guided. True, but, he’s not a babe in the woods, either. The guy started at QB at FBS schools for 2 1/2 seasons, and won a ton of awards for his play, including a Heisman. One must assume he has at least a certain level of football game awareness and leadership skill. Yes, I think that there were coaching failures, but Williams is the on-field leader, and needs to feel empowered to take charge when things go awry. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/96 "2024-11-30T21:36:20Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Especially since it appeared that there was no played called and he had to take the time to audible. Can’t vouch for the veracity of this, but the story is that the play on 2nd down was a QB Draw. Something got screwed up and both tackles let their men get up field without trying to block. Unclear if Caleb screwed up his drop or if the blockers misunderstood the play or what. Then Caleb was waiting for a bit before the next play came in on the headset. When he got it, it was apparently the same play call, another QB Draw. Caleb tried to get people set, the realized he only had 11 seconds left and felt the running play as a mistake. So he rushed to audible to a pass play. This took way too long and the players weren’t getting set properly. If all that is true, which we probably will never know, I’d definitely pin the blame on everyone. The OL screwed up on the sack. The WRs screwed up on 3rd down not getting into formation. The OC screwed up communicating the plays and maybe had a stupid play call. Caleb may have screwed up on 2nd down and then screwed up again by deferring to the coaches on the TO call. Then Caleb screwed up again by trying to audible without time to do so. At the end of the day it’s the HCs job to see all this happening and then to step in and call the TO to regroup. I agree that the basic theory was right. Hurry up and run another play and then call the TO before the kick with 3 seconds left and kick on 4th down. But when a plan breaks down, you can’t just sit there and watch it happen. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/97 "2024-11-30T23:37:01Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > > [@Loach](#): > > > > But Caleb isn’t Brady, Rogers or Mahomes. He’s a rookie and has to be guided. > > True, but, he’s not a babe in the woods, either. The guy started at QB at FBS schools for 2 1/2 seasons, and won a ton of awards for his play, including a Heisman. One must assume he has at least a certain level of football game awareness and leadership skill. > > Yes, I think that there were coaching failures, but Williams is the on-field leader, and needs to feel empowered to take charge when things go awry. History has repeatedly proven that being a good QB in college doesn’t necessarily translate into NFL success. Even QB’s that eventually have success usually have a steep learning curve. The coach is there to bring him along especially in situations like that. I didn’t see much of his Heisman year. I did watch a lot of college football last year including many of his games. My lack of confidence in him coming into this year was because of how poorly he handled adversity. The NFL is all adversity. During one of the daily NFL shows one of the analysts said that in 1500 instances where a team had that much time and a time out the Bears game was the only time the offense wasn’t able to get the kicking team on the field. I have no idea where they got the stat or how accurate it is but it sounds bad. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/98 "2024-11-30T23:41:02Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > During one of the daily NFL shows one of the analysts said that in 1500 instances where a team had that much time and a time out the Bears game was the only time the offense wasn’t able to get the kicking team on the field. I have no idea where they got the stat or how accurate it is but it sounds bad. It does, but bear in mind that they were trying to not just get the kicking team on the field, but to run another play before attempting the field goal. From where they were on the field (Detroit’s 41 yard line), if they had simply tried to kick a field goal, it would have been a 59-yard attempt, which is four yards further than kicker Cairo Santos’s career long. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2024, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/99 "2024-12-01T16:34:35Z")
I’ve only read this thread about the end of game issues, so I have a question: Did Williams eventually say the typical QB/leader thing of “It’s on me. I have to be more urgent, get a play called, and get it run. I’m the leader and it falls on my shoulders” or did he only blame the coaches/situation? ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2024, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154/100 "2024-12-01T22:59:08Z")
Neither. He basically said he was trying to run the play that was called, and he needs to get better at it. He didn’t blame the coaches, but he did say that calling timeouts are the coach’s responsibility. Not deflecting blame but more that he’s been told to let those come from the sideline. He may or may not hove forgotten that we had a timeout, which would make sense if he’s been coached to not think about TOs. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154.md?page=6)