Schrock: Caleb Williams’ bumpy practice no reason to panic, shows reason for long-term optimism originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Caleb Williams kept scanning the field Thursday during the final practice of the Bears’ first week of OTAs and finding limited open space. At least, not the kind of open space he’s used to seeing. When the rookie quarterback did eventually rip it, the ball, more often than not, clanged to the ground, leading to a chorus of trash talk from the Bears’ vaunted secondary.
Williams struggled Thursday. It’s also a voluntary practice in May against a defense that was one of the better units in the NFL to end last season.
There should be no reason for panic.
The defense is supposed to be miles ahead of an offense learning a new system with a rookie quarterback.
“I mean, we had a good day. I’m not going to sit here and lie about that,” veteran safety Kevin Byard said after practice. “But to be honest, it’s to be expected. You have a returning top-15, top-10 defense, obviously going against a younger rookie quarterback who’s getting acclimated and learning things, that’s what it is supposed to look like.”
Expectations are sky-high for Williams.
Many thought he would parachute into the NFL and surgically dissect defenses like he did at Oklahoma and USC.
But there is always a learning curve for rookie quarterbacks in the NFL.
The game is faster. The windows are smaller. Couple that with the fact that Williams is working to digest and retain a new offense while trying to build chemistry with his receivers, and it’s easy to see that there will be numerous days like Thursday.
There’s another reason not to panic. In fact, it should provide some long-term optimism as Williams prepares to launch.
He’ll spend the next four months facing a defense with proven veteran players every day in practice. There will be no off days. No easy throws. The learning moments will come fast and furious, and he will be better off in the long…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/schrock-caleb-williams-bumpy-practice-164215925.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2024-05-24 16:42:15
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