Caleb Williams on inaccuracy against Vikings: "It's frustrating"

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 2 hours ago

CHICAGO - Coming out of college, quarterback Caleb Williams was not known for his rushing ability, nor was this something he utilized frequently last year as a rookie.

However, it was something he displayed against the Minnesota Vikings in the season opener, as he gained 58 yards and a touchdown on six scrambles.

While gaining positive yards is essential, Williams understands the need to balance that with protecting himself.

“You do understand who you’re attacking in those situations. If you’re attacking a backer that’s larger than you or a d-lineman, whatever the case may be, maybe a safety, you go down,” Williams said. “If you’re on a corner, maybe that isn’t necessarily known for tackling, you try and go for it sometimes. So, just knowing the situation, those split-second moments and going after it.”

Unfortunately, Williams’ day in the passing game did not go as well. He finished the day with 210 passing yards and only one passing touchdown, marking the eleventh time in Williams’ career that he had one or fewer passing touchdowns. This game was also the twelfth time he had thrown for under 250 passing yards.

Some of the off-target throws that contributed to the loss are frustrating, but are something he vows to correct.

“It’s frustrating (because) like I said after the game, you did everything up to that point right and then, you miss a pass and it’s frustrating and that’s something we practice on, something that we get after and something that I’m going to keep getting after, keep correcting,” Williams said. “It’s passes that I feel that I typically don’t miss in those moments and situations and especially with some of the passes being what they were and how wide open and you miss and you move on and you correct and you find ways to get better.”

On Sun. Sept. 14 (Noon / FOX), Chicago will play in their first away game of the season and their second division game of the year when it faces the Detroit Lions.

It will certainly be a hostile environment when the Bears travel to Detroit, making it necessary for the Bears to utilize the silent cadence.

“Definitely got to use it on an away game, especially any division game that we’re going against right here coming up this week and being able to use that effectively is going to be good for us,” Williams said. “I’ve had practice with (it) since last year and then now through training camp and this week, we’re going to be using it. So, it’s something you (need) to use in those loud environments and I think we’ll use it effectively.”

Given Chicago’s struggles in the opener with communication, as they had a total of 12 penalties, including four false starts, there is some cause for concern that the Bears will actually be able to execute the silent cadence.

However, what may be more concerning for Chicago going into this game is needing to establish a run game.

Rookie running back Kyle Monangai got some action against Minnesota, but never got a chance to run the ball. D’Andre Swift had almost all of the carries - a total of 17 rush attempts for 53 yards, averaging 3.1 yards per carry. That is not sustainable over the course of the season.

In addition, receiver DJ Moore had a few rushing attempts, although they only went for eight yards. Therefore, this is also not working. Head coach Ben Johnson has acknowledged the need to get Monangai more involved; hopefully, his involvement can help this run game get going this year.