The Chicago Bears continued training camp on Saturday morning with their ninth practice of the summer, and there was plenty to break down from Day 9 — including the performance of quarterback Caleb Williams.
Williams is entering his second season following a rocky rookie year that included two head coaches, three offensive coordinators, being sacked a league-high 68 times, a 10-game losing streak and a 5-12 record. But the Bears prioritized Williams’ development this offseason with the hiring of offensive guru Ben Johnson as head coach, overhauling the interior offensive line and adding even more weapons to the mix. All eyes will be on Williams this summer as he continues to learn Johnson’s offense and looks to find a rhythm heading into Year 2.
We’re taking a look at the good, the bad and the noteworthy with Williams from the ninth practice of Bears training camp:
Following his best day of training camp so far, Williams put together another solid practice on Saturday. According to Bear Report’s Zack Pearson, Williams got “off to a fast start with some completions in team drills.” On his very first throw during 7-on-7, Williams connected with rookie tight end Colston Loveland for a touchdown. Williams had a bad throw, but he followed it up with “a really good throw” to receiver DJ Moore for the score. Pearson noted that Williams’ best throw came during 11-on-11 during a red zone drill, where Williams evaded pressure and hit tight end Cole Ket for a touchdown.
Overall, Williams had a good day of practice. But he wasn’t without his mistakes as the two-minute drill once again snake bit the starting offense. Pearson laid out the situation: The Bears were down 30-24 with :51 seconds remaining with the ball at the opponent’s 47-yard line. Pearson noted that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen threw some blitzes at Williams, where defensive end Montez Sweat and cornerback Josh Blackwell “likely would have gotten through for sacks.” While Williams did come up with “a big throw over the middle to Rome Odunze on 4th and 15,” the final play fell into,plete with three seconds on the clock. Pearson also noted that Williams was intercepted by cornerback Nahshon Wright in the end zone on the final play of practice.
Remember when some fans were concerned about Williams’ slow start to training camp as head coach Ben Johnson and company sent everything his way? It’s all about trusting the process as Williams continues to progress as we’re now on Day 9 of training camp. Zack Pearson noted, the “last few practices it feels like Caleb Williams and the offense are getting more and more comfortable” and said it was “another good day out there.”
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