Caleb Williams speaks plainly about the challenge of facing Brian Flores' defense

In each of Brian Flores' three years as defensive coordinator, the Minnesota Vikings have led or are leading the league in blitz rate. But he also uniquely marries that with amoeba-like coverage schemes, complete with late shifts to send quarterbacks into disarray.

In three games against Flores' defense, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been objectively fine, completing 62.8 percent of his passes with four touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 93.6 passer rating. The Bears have also lost all three games, heading into the next matchup in Week 11.

Back in Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus, the Vikings blitzed Williams less than has been typical over Flores' time running the defense (18 of his 44 dropbacks; 40.9 percent). That rate is actually not that far below the Vikings' season-long blitz rate of 42.2 percent, but injuries to some key personnel certainly impacted how often Flores sent extra rushers earlier in the season.

Caleb Williams talks about the challenge of facing Brian Flores

Williams spoke to the media on Wednesday, and he was asked multiple questions about the challenge of going against Flores.

"I would say he’s probably one of the more challenging coaches that I’ve had to go against so far in my career,” Williams said. “Obviously, I haven’t played every single team yet and every single defensive coordinator, but up to this point, he’s been that (the toughest defensive coordinator Williams has faced)."

"It’s all 70-plus plays that you have or so. It’s a full mental test. Every single play, he challenges you to reach your full mental capacity", Williams continued. "This is always a fun game, going against Flo and his defense and the players he has on that side of the ball. Like I said, it’s always fun going up against a defensive coordinator and a team like this.”

"You just understand that you have to be as close to perfect as you can be. Practice and the small details all matter. Protecting the football, the routes, the depth, the spacing, my timing, everything matters."

Back in Week 1 against Minnesota, Williams went 21-for-35 for 210 yards with one touchdown, no interceptions, and an 86.6 passer rating while also taking two sacks. He also had six carries for 58 yards and a rushing touchdown in that game.

After a downward trend in his production as a runner, Williams has 116 rushing yards over the last two games, and he fully understands the differentiating threat he can be with his legs.

To combat whatever Flores might have up his sleeve on Sunday, Williams' instincts as a runner will be just as important to the success of the Bears' offense as what he does as a passer.