In his second season, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is starting to prove some of his critics wrong. Thanks to having a capable head coach like Ben Johnson, we're seeing Williams take the necessary steps towards becoming what fans have long-wanted.
Former Bears running back Matt Forte sat down with FanSided recently and chimed in on the Williams conversation, too. Forte was definitely impressed with what he's seen from the young quarterback, thus far, but also offered more about what he wants to see from him down the line.
To no one's surprise, Forte calls it like many Bears fans have seen it.
"I like that his feet have been a little more sure when the pocket is sure. We've seen the difference," Forte noted. "What I'm looking forward to seeing from him is when the blitz comes and maybe there's a guy penetrating through the line, to stay in there and make those throws in the face of getting hit; not looking to escape all the time."
Matt Forte pinpoints what will make Caleb Williams everything Bears fans have hoped for
Forte's first point about Williams is absolutely right on. From his first game, fans saw Williams' tendency to want to escape the pocket. He consistently looked anxious, and justifiably so, behind such a poor offensive line.
What else does Forte want to see from Williams? What's going to put him in the next tier up?
"The reading of defenses," he said. "I'm not throwing to a guy who's already open, I'm throwing him to be open. It takes the anticipation part. He can make all the throws."
This is what the greats do. They are able to have such a high level of chemistry with their receivers, and such a strong understanding of each and every one of their tendencies, that they're able to let it rip before their targets are even open.
When Williams is able to add those types of throws to his arsenal, it might be over for the league. That sounds like hyperbole, but let's at least allow us to have the fan in us come out right now. We can all agree that, if Williams starts throwing his receivers open rather than the other way around, he's going to be dangerous.
"His escapability aspect has been impressive. Some of the times he should have been sacked, he was able to get away," Forte added.
Remember, his escapability is one of his best traits, just as Forte pointed out. People can point to Williams' sometimes-antsy feet as a negative, but he's certainly shown a knack for getting out of trouble and making plays with his legs. If he takes just one more step higher as a passer, look out.
Read more: Matt Forte asked the question every Bears fan wants to know the answer to
Thanks for Matt Forte and Chase for Business for graciously providing us the time.