Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Insights into how the Bears have played and how the Packers can exploit QB Caleb Williams’ weaknesses
The talk in the offseason was how well Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles had built a solid infrastructure around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, which would presumably be the best for a first overall pick in a long time — maybe ever.
On the field, though, it hasn't looked like it lately.
The Bears who will face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Soldier Field are coming from three consecutive losses, including two for teams that also have rookie quarterbacks in Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, and the offense is 27th in DVOA.
Among 34 qualified quarterbacks this season, Caleb Williams is 27th in EPA/play, 30th in success rate, and 28th in completion percentage over expectation.
So we talked to Kole Noble, who covers the Chicago Bears for A to Z Sports, to understand what has happened and how the Packers can take advantage of the Bears’ problems.
How is Caleb playing overall and how can the Packers exploit his weaknesses?
Overall, Caleb Williams is starting to play exactly like you'd expect from a rookie quarterback. He's had his ups and downs this season that have reached the extreme of both sides. His accuracy and timing have been uncharacteristically problematic and he hasn't gotten much help from his protection nor weapons. By keeping him off balance and out of rhythm, virtually every team has been able to frustrate Williams in the pocket. However, he's someone who is striving to get things right, the question is whether or not he can do so on his own.
The offensive line is injured. What's the outlook for this week?
Depth is definitely the main concern on the offensive line. Against the Patriots, the Bears were without three starters up-front and down to one player on the bench. The Bears would obviously like to have starting tackles Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright back this week but that ultimately depends on their availability in practice. The one concern I have is with left guard Teven Jenkins, who left Sunday's game with an ankle injury. Jenkins has now missed significant time in four of the Bears' nine games and clearly isn't playing at a healthy level.
Before the season, everyone was talking about Caleb having the best situation for a first overall pick. What has gone wrong?
The level of concern for the Bears' offense is high and for good reason. This unit, on paper, is too talented to be as bad as they are this season and you can't point the finger at one thing specifically. Playcalling and designs have been a major issue under offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. However, even when plays are there, protection breaks down, Williams misses an easy throw, or the weapons in the passing game can't create separation. It just comes down to execution from everyone involved and the fact that no one seems to be on the same page week in and week out.
