Caleb Williams has become quarterback opponents have to do extra to prepare for

A refurbished offensive line has undeniably protected him far better this season, as naturally hoped after he took a league-high 68 sacks as a rookie last season. But Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has also put his mobility on display quite often, escaping what seemed like sure sacks so often that a "Houdini" nickname has become widespread.

With that clearly in mind, Ian Hartitz of Fantasy Life recently put together a clip nearly two minutes in length showing Williams avoiding sacks.

It's easy to criticize Williams' acumen as a pure pocket passer, and that part of his game is a work in progress. But his mobility and sheer physical tools are what make him unique, and head coach Ben Johnson is slowly embracing the value of those things when plays don't unfold as planned.

Caleb Williams has become a quarterback opponents have to prepare for

The Bears will look to win their seventh of their last eight games in Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers' defense has some atypical ups and downs this season, but facing Lamar Jackson twice a year for years means they are used to preparing for a mobile quarterback during a practice week.

But they have not played against Williams thus far in the Bears' signal caller's career, and viewing game tape can only go so far. Steelers' defenders need some practical experience going against a quarterback who does what Williams does to escape pass rush pressure.

No quarterback on their 53-man roster can come close to replicating that, so they had to do something.

According to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers re-signed QB/WR John Rhys Plumlee to their practice squad this week. He will function as Williams on the scout team as the team prepares to play the Bears on Sunday.

College football fans may remember that Plumlee was a dual-threat quarterback at Ole Miss and UCF. The Steelers signed him as an undrafted rookie in 2024, and, given his athleticism, they made him into a quarterback/wide receiver/return man hybrid. Since not making their initial roster at final cuts a year ago, he has had stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks.

Batko also posted a clip of Plumlee working as a Williams facsimile during Wednesday's practice.

Read more: Ben Johnson seems to have the next version of himself on his coaching staff

The number of quarterbacks league-wide who make an opponent literally do something different in preparation for them can be counted on one hand. Williams has now entered that category, and this probably won't be the first time we hear about something similar to what the Steelers are doing this week.