Year 2 has been a vast improvement for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. There is no denying just how big a step he has taken in his first season under head coach Ben Johnson.
A lot of the issues that plagued him as a rookie are now being mitigated and, in a way, they've even evaporated thanks to Johnson. But there is still a lot of room for growth, and Bears fans know that all too well.
During the Bears' latest loss to the Green Bay Packers, every fan was frustrated watching Williams at times. It was especially apparent on his final throw, which resulted in an interception, but at the same time, he offered us so much hope as he often does.
NFL Media's Gregg Rosenthal, one of the hosts of the longtime podcast "Around the NFL," was watching this one. And, in maybe the perfect fashion, he explained every Bears fan's sentiments when it comes to their quarterback.
"Caleb's completion percentage may be low but his HOLY S**T percentage is high"
Yep, that about sums it up.
Caleb Williams' youthful growing pains pale in comparison to the potential he still holds for the Bears
It is extremely difficult to watch Williams miss open targets. His completion percentage has been one of the hottest topics among Bears fans this season, and justifiably so. Off-target throws are something we've grown used to seeing from Williams.
It's an unfortunate reality, but it's reality nonetheless. Yet, this is also a time to pause and think about how much room he has to grow as a pro.
This isn't a Drake Maye conversation. This isn't a Jayden Daniels conversation. This isn't even going to be a Bo Nix conversation.
This is all about Williams. We have to look at each of those players on an individual account, Williams included.
Johnson's offense is as complex and challenging to learn as any in this league. We knew, from the jump, that Williams was going to get the kitchen sink thrown at him by his first-year head coach. And, if we look back at Week 1 and compare Williams' play to now, there's been a vast improvement.
We've heard Johnson comment on being impressed with Williams' overall operation of the offense, which is the most challenging part. This suggests Johnson's faith in Williams to eventually make the easier throws that he's missed on so often.
It is truly maddening to watch, as a fan, because you wonder just how on earth Williams could miss the wide-open targets he does regularly... yet, when he's scrambling toward the sideline and chucks it on the run to a place in the end zone where only Olamide Zaccheaus could have caught it, everyone loses their minds.
It's quite frankly like re-living the Jay Cutler experience all over again, except this time, Williams' mistakes are not nearly as costly as Cutler's. But the emotional similarities are certainly there.
Williams has to improve on his ball placement, that's for sure. But let's be thankful that his inaccuracy hasn't resulted in a multitude of interceptions. The interception to end the Packers' game was brutal. It was very tough.
But, looking at the grand scheme of things, Williams has taken great care of the football on a season-long basis.
Johnson will help coach him to the point where he can make those simpler throws. It's going to happen.
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And, once that happens, we can appreciate both those "HOLY S**T" moments along with Williams making the ho-hum plays that all add up to the common goal.