Bears Training Camp Observations: Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze Deliver Two-Minute Magic originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Caleb Williams’ NFL learning experience continued Tuesday at Halas Hall during the Bears’ third padded practice of training camp.
The No. 1 overall pick was efficient and under control during a sharp stretch of 7-on-7, including a deep pass to DJ Moore. Moore beat cornerback Tyrique Stevenson off the line, and Williams went on the money for a 60-yard score.
The team’s period was much more unstable for Williams and the first-team attack.
Head coach Matt Eberflus and defensive coordinator Eric Washington launched a series of attacks on the rookie quarterback on Tuesday, and Williams, for the most part, battled the constant pressure.
Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and defensive tackle Andrew Billings recorded “sacks” during team portions.
The team’s period also saw Williams throw an interception to safety Jaquan Brisker. The quarterback felt pressure, advanced to the pocket and tried to hit tight end Cole Kmet in the middle of the field. Kmet was well covered and the pass went over his head and into Brisker’s arms.
However, Williams responded to a shaky team day during the final two-minute drill.
The Bears’ offense got going on its own with 40 minutes left with 1:30 left, but it didn’t take long for Williams to lead them down the field.
Williams opened the offense with a 14-yard pass to Keenan Allen to the right side. Williams then hit D’Andre Swift on a slot screen, and the Bears running back went 24 yards before being whistled. Swift probably could have been whistled earlier, but was allowed to cut midway for a big gain.
On the next play, Williams threw to rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze for a 22-yard touchdown in the back left corner of the end zone. Williams had a tight window between cornerback Terell Smith and safety Kevin Byard and perfectly split both defenders for a touchdown.
Williams’ ability to finish practice on a high note is yet another example of his growth early in training camp.
“He’s really made some big strides here,” Eberflus said of Williams after Tuesday’s practice. “We’re really talking about a huge amount of reps in the first eight or nine practices that we’ve had, because we have that set up for the pre-practice guidelines, as you saw today, and also tonight, we had a huge amount. Good on good on the team of the show and different looks at the attack operation.
“He really keeps investing, keeps investing in the team in his own way. His way is to know the scheme, know its fundamentals, know it coolly and continue operating that way. also because now he feels comfortable on offense, you can really start to see him coach other guys, encourage other guys, rally guys, which he’s done in the past and that’s a good sign as well.”
Williams’ talent, work ethic and growth continue to impress his veteran teammates.
“From my experience with him, he’s a great guy who basically goes to work every day,” running back Roschon Johnson said of Williams. “Definitely a very talented kid who basically does everything the way you need him to. Additionally, he has an incredible ability to play the center back position and simply do things that other center backs probably can’t do. Great guy. I think the team gravitated toward him and we’re excited.”
Here are more notes from Day 9 of camp:
– Williams’ best pass of the day came on 7-on-7, when he rolled to his left to buy time and fired a one-footed bullet to tight end Stephen Carlson from 20 yards downfield. Williams let the pass go by as he walked out of bounds and Carlson made a great toe catch.
–Williams and Odunze had a miscommunication during an 11-on-11 period. Odunze broke inside while covered by cornerback Jaylon Johnson, but Williams expected him to break outside and the pass fell incomplete.
– Williams finished the day with a successful two-point conversion play, hitting Odunze in the back left corner of the end zone.
– The Bears offense had two false starts and a delay of game penalty on Tuesday.
– Tight end Gerald Everett made an impressive leap over Stevenson in 7-on-7 drills.
– Collin Johnson made some good catches on Tuesday, including a diving touchdown reception on individual work.
– Eberflus announced Tuesday that Williams and the Bears’ starters would not play in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans. The starters will have a full practice on Wednesday, while those who will play in the game will have a lighter workload before traveling to Canton, Ohio.
