While Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has only played in six of the Bears' nine games, the quarterback is taking a clear step forward. In what areas has Williams matured the most?
5 Areas Where Caleb Williams has Improved
Caleb Williams is more accurate
Williams' completion rate went from 58.1% last season to 68.7% this season. This can be attributed to plenty of factors, but overall he is just more accurate. His on-target rate is up from 68% to 79%, essentially explaining the difference. He is more confident in the offense and making better throws.
Turnover Worthy Throws
Williams has a 2.5% turnover-worthy throw rate according to PFF. His career rate is 2.8%, and last year it was up to 3.1%. He is being more intentional with the ball. What makes it more impressive is that he had three turnover-worthy throws against the Bucs, which led to a 7.3% rate. Without that disaster game, it would look excellent.
Average Depth of Target
It is interesting to note that Williams' worst game in turnover-worthy throws is also his highest average depth of target. His career depth of target rate is 8.5 yards downfield. In his first year in the Ben Johnson offense, it was 9.2 yards down the field. This year, it is 7.6. He is more accurate and not turning the ball over as much because he is keeping the ball closer to the line and not trying as many deep shots down the field.
Making Most of Short Passes
What is interesting to note is that Williams had 62.1% of his passes go from 0-20 yards in his first year under Johnson. It is 60.6% this year. The difference is that his deep ball rate is down 4% and his behind the line of scrimmage rate is up 4%. What makes it impressive is that he averaged 5.6 yards per attempt on those passes as a rookie. In his second year with Johnson, the Bears are picking up 6.6 yards per attempt on passes behind the line.
Better vs Blitz
Williams can recognize and beat the blitz better this year than the year prior. This year, it is 62.7% His yards per attempt is also up from 7.7 to 7.9. He is able to get the ball out quicker and cleaner than in the past.
All of this speaks to someone more confident in the offense.
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