This season has been a completely different story for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on multiple fronts. One of the biggest differences, though, has been Williams' ability to avoid being sacked.
A common topic this week, ahead of facing Brian Flores' Minnesota Vikings defense, Williams' escapability is truly one of his most special traits. Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen commented on Williams' ability to get out of trouble, making a blatant admission.
“If I’m trying to defend him, I’m like ‘damn.’”
If we're being realistic, this is likely a very similar response from every other defensive coordinator going up against the Bears. Do they all want to admit it? Probably not. But, a simple near-admission of defeat is exactly what has to be on their minds trying to defend the former no. 1 overall pick.
Caleb Williams' escapability has him in elite company this season
As a rookie, we saw Williams get sacked a whopping 68 times. So far this year, he is on pace to cut that in half and then some. He has been brought down just 15 times through nine games. That is a remarkable turnaround, and it's indicative of several reasons.
Only four full-time starters have been sacked less than Williams this year: Bo Nix, Bryce Young, Michael Penix Jr., and Sam Darnold. We're not going to count guys like Marcus Mariota and Russell Wilson, etc.
Defenses have already had a tough time getting to Williams, compared to last year, due to the improved offensive line. Just last week, multiple outlets had the Bears as a top-5 unit in their performance against Brian Burns and the New York Giants front.
In addition to the offensive line's improvement and those offseason additions, though, is Williams cutting down on poor decisions. It's simple, really. Is it any wonder that his time to throw currently leads the league (3.24 seconds per Next Gen Stats) yet he has been one of the least-sacked quarterbacks in football?
Last year, we'd see Williams dance around with the football, trying to be Superman, only to end up being responsible for a significant number of sacks himself.
Read more: Caleb Williams had a 4-word message for Ben Johnson after Bears' latest win
This year, Williams still dances around and makes magic happen, but he's been able to get rid of the football before defenders are able to bring him to the ground. Not only that, but he's using his legs in a much more pointed manner. He's decisive when he takes off, rather than looking like a chicken with its head cut off, as he did many times in his rookie season.