The most impressive thing about Caleb Williams in his two games since returning from injury is how measured he’s looked. He’s letting the came come to him. Letting Ben Johnson’s system work for him. He’s not trying to do too much, and when you play that way as a quarterback, especially one as talented as Williams, you end up actually doing more.
You can see that in the numbers. Williams has completed more than 75% of his passes, for 8.9 yards per attempt, with 3 TDs and no interceptions since his return to the lineup. He’s been efficient. Nearly flawless.
Ben Johnson has helped Williams play in a more disciplined manner with his play-calling. For instance, he’s called play-action on 45% of Williams’ dropbacks over the last two games. Play-action generally simplifies the play for the quarterback, defines his reads, and dictates where the ball gets thrown.
Against New England on Thursday night, Johnson came right out of the gates on the first snap with play-action. Williams hit Luther Burden for 26 yards:
Johnson is near the top of the list in terms of NFL coaches who know how to get their quarterbacks into games with early completions, and Thursday night was no exception.
What followed was another performance where Williams looked like he understood that he doesn’t have to force the issue and try to make big plays every snap. If he just gets the ball out of his hands and takes what the defense gives him, he can keep the offense moving forward consistently:
Perhaps it’s Johnson’s scheme and influence that has helped Williams realize this. But perhaps it’s also just a sign of Williams maturing before our very eyes. Either way, it’s leading to a passing game that is both steady and explosive at the same time.
But probably the most impressive thing about Williams’ performance on Thursday night was his pocket presence.
The term mobility is often associated with a quarterback scrambling and making highlight-reel plays. But the most important type of mobility occurs within the pocket. Being able to stay free from the rush while sticking with the play is one of the key attributes that defines the best quarterbacks to ever play the game.
Williams showed it time and time again vs. the Patriots.
Just take this throw on the Bears’ opening drive of the 2nd half. Williams felt the pressure coming from his left, slid right to find space to throw (all while reading the defense and moving from his first receiver to his second), and then delivered a perfect ball downfield: