Sometimes the clearest endorsement of a quarterback does not come from a coach or an analyst, but from a veteran defender watching from the sideline with the game on the line. Chicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds spoke with NFL Insider Jordan Schultz on exactly that setting.
It was fourth-and-eight late in the fourth quarter, and the game was on the line. The Bears were in a must-score situation, and they were backed into a corner. Caleb Williams was forced out of the pocket to the left side, and he completed a spectacular throw to Rome Odunze despite the fact that he barely had a foot on the ground when he released the ball. It was a spectacular showing from Williams when all eyes were on him during a historic match between the Bears and Packers.
“When I’m watching, I’m like, I’m a fan too," Edmunds said via the Schultz Report podcast. "You know what I mean? Because I’m on the sideline at this point. You know, we just got a stop, we’re like OK, boom. Like we’re looking at each other on the sideline, we’re about to go win this game.” -Tremaine Edmunds
Seeing It From the Sideline
The Bears have been the comeback kings all season, and they seem to be leaning into it. How many fourth quarter comebacks need to happen before it becomes a trait of the team and not just a coincidence? Ben Johnson's offense has been outstanding in the fourth quarter all season long. It's only logical that Edmunds would think it's about to happen again, especially in a playoff environment.
“Like I’m watching the mechanics, I’m watching the dropback," Edmunds said. "He rolled out this way, throw off his foot, like the MJ type throw. I’m like, yo, this dude is special. And you know, this is not the first time, it’s like the whole year has kinda been like that. That’s why his nickname is ‘Iceman,’ ’cause it’s like, the guy don’t flinch.”
William's reputation has always been to extend plays. Even in college, he was known for finding the explosive play, even when its structure had already collapsed. Ben Johnson's system has created a more efficient environment for developing quarterbacks, and Williams has shown clear signs of progression.
Williams may have earned his nickname "Iceman", but he's not the only one performing well when it counts. Showing signs of comfort in late-game or high-stress situations expresses not only a huge vote of confidence in the offensive line but also develops an MVP-caliber trait in the franchise quarterback.
Read more: Ben Johnson's unorthodox approach to Bears practice has Kevin Byard bought in
If the Bears can faithfully execute the Ben Johnson method, they'll have a real shot at winning against the Los Angeles Rams in the upcoming NFC Divisional matchup.