Bears @ Commander: Caleb Williams 2024 Week 8 Grade

Some changes of note, I've begun tracking Pressure Rate and Time to Pressure, along with Shotgun and Under Center drop backs. I will be going back and gathering data from previous weeks for a more complete picture this week.

This was by far the worst day for the passing offense since week 1 for the Bears, and the grade reflects it. Posting a Below Average first half and Average second half, in reality a really strong 4th quarter saved what should have been Williams' worst start yet by far.

Some positives though: There were some great throws in a very limited day, and Williams' ability to put 3 Quarters of very bad offense behind him and come out with a fantastic 4th Quarter is definitely worth note, and a trait that can win you some games you normally are destine to lose (similar to this week, I hate Hail Mary's and I hate not rushing 5 on them.)

For the full season of tracking, please click here.

Hopefully a good bounce back week is in store in Arizona.

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Play Breakdowns

Grade: Poor Situation: 3:53 3Q 2nd-2 CHI50 Grading Notes: +Aggressiveness +Pocket Move +Throwing Base --Coverage --Placement ---Accuracy -Timing -Incomplete Play Notes: This was the deepest shot Williams took all game, 3 man route with Rome Odunze running the deep post. Caleb almost seems predetermined to throw this (perhaps from frustration?) Caleb let's the ball fly late here, after the Washington Safety has corrected his positioning, the bracketed coverage makes this a very difficult completion, and Caleb overthrows the ball by 3-4 yards. No chance for Odunze to make a play.

Grade: Bad Situation: 2:56 3Q 3rd-12 CHI40 Grading Notes: +Anticipation --Accuracy -Timing -Situation -Incomplete Play Notes: The intended target Allen is running a post corner route Caleb throws with slight anticipation, however late (I believe if he throws when he "pats" the ball he will be well on time), causing his throw to drift too far towards/outside the boundary. Allen can't even get a hand on it as it sails out of bounds. This incompletion leads to a punt, and loss of possession.

Grade: Below Average Situation: 9:55 3Q 2nd-7 CHI7 Grading Notes: +Pocket Movement -Late Throw -Incomplete Play Notes: Caleb get's flushed from the pocket here after pressure up the middle, seems as if that disrupts the timing with his intended target (Everett running the Shallow Out) Keenan Allen leaks out wide open but a good defensive play saves what might have been a touchdown.

Grade: Average Situation: 3:49 4Q 3rd-10 CHI38 Grading Notes: +Pocket Navigation +Accuracy +First Down Play Notes: Odunze runs a Pivot route and creates good separation with it, Caleb steps up into the pocket and fires and easy completion where his receiver can pick up enough YAC for a first down.

Grade: Good Situation: 7:56 1Q 1st-10 CHI42 Grading Notes: ++Accuracy +First Down +Looks Off Defender +Anticipation Play Notes: Various Levels concept here. Caleb does a fantastic job freezing the underneath defender to create a larger window to throw to Allen with. Also shows good anticipation as he begins his throw while Allen is behind that defender. Ball delivered with accuracy to allow Allen to pick up YAC and a first down into Commanders territory.

Grade: Great Situation: 2:59 4Q 2nd-5 WAS41 Grading Notes: ++Creativity ++Accuracy +Situation +First Down Play Notes: Allen gets blown up on his block but does a veteran thing and keeps himself alive in the play as Caleb does the same. Caleb makes the free rusher that blew up Allen miss, and in turn attracts the attention of 4 defenders, allowing Allen to slink open, Caleb uses his athleticism to deliver a nice ball on the run, Allen in turn picks up 22 yards down to the 19. Caleb's off platform play is great and we need to see his receivers play into that more with him.

Grade: Elite Situation: 7:59 4Q 2nd-12 WAS35 Grading Notes: +++Accuracy ++Deep Throw ++Placement ++Toughness +First Down Play Notes: Smash Out on the bottom of the screen. Despite a free rush baring down on Caleb (did Caleb piss off Swift or something?) Caleb Delivers a perfect 33 air yard cover 2 beater to DJ Moore. Huge props to DJ Moore for making an excellent adjustment and holding on to the ball after a big hit. An Elite throw in the face of immense pressure in a drive that potentially can give the Bears the lead.