Throughout preseason, many different players caught the attention of the NFL world. However, not many were more exciting than Chicago Bears’ No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, who got plenty of action.
Despite many finding his performance exciting and a sign of what’s to come, Bill Belichick wasn’t as impressed. What did he have to say about Williams?
Bill Belichick’s Criticism of Caleb Williams
It all started with Belichick on “Inside the NFL” alongside Chad Johnson, Chris Long, and Ryan Clark. The conversation started with Williams’ preseason performance, with most of the group very impressed. However, Belichick was not.
Bill Belichick wasn’t impressed by Caleb Williams through his two preseason games with the Chicago Bears.
“Well, he wasn’t accurate, he was 10-for-20,” Belichick said. “There were a couple of highlight plays, but they weren’t that good.”
(🎥: @insidetheNFL) pic.twitter.com/3sKMBjrKn3
— Kinnu Singh (@ByKinnuSingh) September 5, 2024
“Whoever they played against in preseason, it wasn’t the best players on the other team,” said Belichick.
“So, what you’re saying is, coach, we can’t plan a parade because Caleb was so accurate in the preseason,” said Clark in response.
“Well, he wasn’t accurate. He was 10-for-20,” said Belichick. “There were a couple of highlight plays, but they weren’t that good.”
However, the rest of the crew went to Williams’ defense. “It’s like you didn’t watch the 20 throws,” said Long. “Like, come on, there’s a reason he’s excited.”
“You’ve got to think how good the 10 were that were completed. The extended plays,” said Johnson.
“No one’s saying he might not be great, but what we’re saying is you just need the context,” said Long. “It’s like when I hear someone’s lighting it up in camp, I’m like, ‘Is he running with the twos? Is he going against the [No. 2] defense? Is the quarterback struggling because he’s got the two offensive line.’ There’s just a lot we don’t know.”
Belichick’s comments didn’t go unnoticed. “Never thought I’d be sticking up for
@ochocinco. Time will tell but, I doubt peeps will wanna be on the wrong side of CW18. “They weren’t that good” is hilarious,” said J.T. O’Sullivan, the former NFL quarterback who runs “The QB School” on YouTube.
It should surprise no one that Caleb Williams isn't Bill Belichick's cup of tea at QB. His ideal QB is a guy who just follows the script, throws it where he's supposed to, and doesn't make mistakes. I'm laughing internally thinking of Caleb driving Bill nuts with the scrambles. https://t.co/mhLw4DeXqF
— Khari D. Thompson (@kdthompson5) September 6, 2024
“It should surprise no one that Caleb Williams isn’t Bill Belichick’s cup of tea at QB. His ideal QB is a guy who just follows the script, throws it where he’s supposed to, and doesn’t make mistakes. I’m laughing internally thinking of Caleb driving Bill nuts with the scrambles,” said Khari D. Thompson of Boston.com.
Over the course of the preseason, Williams started two games against the Chiefs and Bengals. In those games, he played 42 snaps and passed 10-of-20 for 170 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also added a rushing touchdown.
In college, Williams never threw more than five interceptions in a single season. In terms of touchdowns, he threw for 21, 42, and 30 touchdowns, respectively. He also rushed for 27 touchdowns, including 10 and 11 in his last two seasons.
The Bears will open their season on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. It will be Williams’ first game and an opportunity for him to prove himself and put any of the criticism to the side.