Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams enters his third year with his franchise. For the first time since 2018, the Bears claimed the NFC Central divisional title. Moreover, a playoff win against the Green Bay Packers helps Williams add positive momentum heading into this season. A former Bears standout drew parallels between the 24-year-old signal-caller and a Hall of Fame passer.
Former Bears TE Greg Olsen Compared Caleb Williams and Brett Favre
In a two-year span, Williams took Chicago from 5-12 to an 11-6 mark, punctuated by a 22-16 overtime win against the Packers during Wild Card Weekend. While the Los Angeles Rams eliminated the Chicago Bears the following weekend, many believe Williams is heading in the right direction.
Olsen, who played for Chicago from 2007 to 2010 and is now an NFL analyst, told Ratings.org that he sees Williams similarly to the aspects that made Favre an elite player.
Williams, despite facing a rush barreling in from multiple directions, keeps the play alive by expanding the pocket. Additionally, he appears to willingly break a long-regarded tenet of playing quarterback: turning his back to the defense while scrambling.
Similarly, Favre became known for throwing into the tightest of windows while falling away and abandoning technique. As Olsen further describes, Williams does not look panicked and, in his estimation, plays better under pressure.
“He’ll make a more accurate throw running to his left, cross body, 30-yard dig on the side, 30-yard scramble drill on the sideline… Yeah, a little Brett Favre,” Olsen added.
For example, late last season, the Bears’ QB would use his feet to gain separation in the pocket to throw to the opposite side of the field, giving his target ample time to get open. In contrast, Olsen praises Williams for improving upon Favre in one important area.
“Probably the only issue with the Brett Favre comparison is one thing that Caleb Williams has really improved and done a nice job is he doesn’t really turn the ball over.”
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In two seasons with the Bears, Williams is responsible for 32 turnovers, with 13 coming by way of interception. In contrast, in the seasons he started, Favre recorded fewer than 10 interceptions only once, in 2009.
Later, Olsen elaborated and drew a different comparison for Williams, staying with the same franchise.
“I think of like, a young Aaron Rodgers, maybe not as accurate,” Olsen stated. “Maybe not as accurate of a passer. But people forget young Aaron Rodgers, his ability to operate outside of the pocket, throws on the run, scramble drill, especially down in the red zone… So some similar characteristics there in style.”
Despite playing on an offensive line that surrendered 92 sacks over his first two seasons, Williams landed at No. 20 in the PFSN NFL QB Impact Rankings. Can he improve on that number as he attempts to get the Bears deeper into the playoffs?
