The Chicago Bears’ 29-27 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs to close out the preseason presented plenty of teaching tape.
Head coach Ben Johnson mentioned in his post-game press conference that it “was a little bit disappointing to see how slow we started” on offense and defense.
That includes Caleb Williams.
The one play Williams wants to have back from the Chiefs game
The Bears’ second-year quarterback finished the game 11 of 15 for 113 yards and a touchdown pass to Rome Odunze. Through the first three drives against the Chiefs’ starters, Williams had just 41 passing yards and took a sack on second-and-3 that derailed the Bears’ second drive.
Of the 28 snaps Williams played, it’s the sack that he wishes he could have back.
“There was a second-and-3 where there was a sack and you don’t want to take sacks on first or second down,” Williams told reporters after the game. “I was frustrated with myself for that and anything other than taking a sack and getting the ball out of my hands like scrambling, being able to stay on my feet and go make a play. I think I understand the situation a bit better and probably most of those moments, I’d been able to understand the situation better, being second-and-3, the chances are a lot higher on making a play and being able to get the first down than if its third-and-8 or whatever the case may be.”
Williams and the first-team offense couldn’t overcome the lost yardage and were forced to punt after Colston Loveland caught a pass for four yards on third-and-eight.
Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle spoke to the media on Monday afternoon and was also asked about that sack.
“He said it as soon as he came off,” Doyle said. “I asked him, ‘What's the one play you want back?’ And that was the one he told me. We're playing a quick game concept over there to our right as we progress back through. He bypassed his third read. He just didn't see it. We end up stuck and really he can throw that ball over the middle to Cole and if he doesn't like that he's just going to progress through. We've been really harping on them about your feet leading your eyes. That was an instance that he ends up passing something that he needs to hang on a little bit longer. It's just a learning experience.”
Johnson has emphasized all offseason about the importance of Williams’ footwork, and on that particular play, the details weren’t there. But as Doyle mentioned, the sack is a learning experience and one that Williams needs to correct as he continues to operate Johnson's offense.
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If Williams can apply what he has learned in that moment, that will put him in a position to drastically reduce his sack total from a season ago (68) and take the next step in his overall progression in Year 2.