Caleb Williams propels Bears’ resurgence with record-setting play-action performance against Packers
In the world of football, statistics can tell a story—sometimes uplifting, other times disheartening. For the Chicago Bears, the first half of their recent clash against the Green Bay Packers was a cautionary tale, highlighted by Caleb Williams’ paltry 32 passing yards, a mere six first downs, and a dismal 1-for-7 conversion rate on third downs. The Bears could only muster 71 total offensive yards, leaving fans anxious about their team’s prospects.
However, the narrative shifted dramatically in the second half. Williams found his rhythm, culminating in a total of 186 passing yards as the Bears controlled the clock with a time of possession of 20:13 compared to the Packers’ 9:47. This remarkable turnaround showcased not just resilience but also a well-executed game plan that bore fruit as the game progressed.
Advanced Metrics Reveal Play-Action Strategy
A closer look at the Bears’ passing game, as examined by ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell, reveals both alarming and promising elements. The strategic approach taken by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was unmistakable: minimizing Caleb Williams’ exposure to the relentless pressure of Micah Parsons. Johnson orchestrated one of the most aggressive play-action game plans witnessed this season.
Historically, the Bears utilize play-action on around 33% of their dropbacks, a figure that ranks among the highest in the league. Remarkably, that percentage surged to 60.5% during this game, marking the highest rate for any quarterback in a single outing this season and the eighth-highest over the last decade.
Williams excelled in this system, completing 14 of 22 passes for 144 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception when utilizing play-action. In contrast, his performance as a traditional dropback passer was less impressive, recording only five completions on 13 attempts for 42 yards. The first quarter was particularly challenging for him, where he managed just one completion for two yards. Yet, as the game unfolded, Williams transformed, going 13-for-21 for 154 yards with two touchdowns and no sacks in the second half.
The Double-Edged Sword of Performance
While some might dismiss the heavy reliance on play-action as a mere necessity against formidable opponents like Parsons, it undoubtedly proved effective. Williams’ ability to throw on the run produced several highlight-worthy moments, showcasing his natural athleticism and playmaking ability, despite a few misfires.
Yet, the stark contrast between his dropback passing statistics raises concerns. The struggles in that area cannot be overlooked, as several missed opportunities were directly attributable to him. Nonetheless, there’s a silver lining: Williams’ adaptability to Johnson’s play-action philosophy has been a key factor in his development.
A Path Forward for the Bears
Looking ahead, the Bears have established a viable blueprint for mitigating the impact of elite edge rushers, which will be crucial as they prepare to face Cleveland Browns’ star Myles Garrett next week, followed by Parsons again shortly thereafter.
Ideally, Williams would be able to stand firm in the pocket and dissect defenses regardless of pressure. Currently, that capability remains a work in progress. However, the partnership between Williams and Johnson to identify effective strategies is a bright spot for the Bears’ offense as the season unfolds.
Moreover, Williams’ uncanny ability to make plays off-platform compensates for his current limitations. If Chicago can continue to neutralize aggressive pass rushes—perhaps by implementing more screens to playmaker Luther Burden III—they might well harness sufficient offensive production to secure vital victories in the latter part of the season.
Bears in the Spotlight
As the Bears navigate the challenges ahead, the team remains under scrutiny. There are mixed sentiments about their potential post-Packers performance, but the discussions surrounding players like Burden and Williams will undoubtedly shape the narrative as they aim to turn their season around.
