Cubs News: Williams discusses lack of running game, talks Colts defense |
CHICAGO - Heisman-winning rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is not starting his NFL career quite how he wanted. After Chicago won their opening game of the season in a defense-led 17-point comeback, the Bears dropped their first away game of the season against the Houston Texans, which included two picks from Williams.
He was also sacked seven times. “I think first and foremost is the communication in and out of the huddle. We were actually pretty good with that, especially going to a stadium like that. Obviously, their fans were excited, their first home game and they were out there, rowdy and things like that. Communication-wise in the huddle and all of that, I believe we did a good job,” Williams said. “Then, I would say the pass game rhythm and things like that felt good. Obviously, I had the two stupid mistakes that won’t happen again. But, I think rhythm, pass game, getting the ball to receivers. I think I got better with getting the ball out my hands, it felt like trying to stay in the right range of timing for the offensive line and myself and the routes and things like that. So, I think those are the few spots that I’ve gotten better at.” Williams made multiple rookie mistakes against Houston. In addition to the interceptions, he also had some overthrows and struggled at times with clock management, which led to multiple delay-of-game penalties. Williams attributed that problem to his cadence, an issue that goes back to minicamp. “Throughout the game, a few times, the clock got kind of low, and I was on a (cadence) that didn’t want or shouldn’t have used with the clock being that low and obviously, you get the call in the huddle, you’re in the huddle for however long and then you got up there and you already called your cadence and so, trying to change the cadence at the line instead of using some of our tools that we have,” Williams said. “I think that comes with time. I think that comes with, obviously, more communication for myself and using the tools that I have to be able to get the ball off even if I’m on a cadence that may be a little bit longer.” Starting running back D’Andre Swift only had 48 rushing yards during the first two games. Williams had 44 rushing yards against Houston and another 11 against the Tennessee Titans in the opener, making him the leading rusher for the Bears to this point. Chicago’s inability to run the ball is a large concern for the Bears, but Williams does not appear worried. “I think we’ll be able to run the ball. Trying to figure out exactly what runs fit best with our personnel, the people we have,” Williams said. “I think that’s the thing that’s going to emerge here really soon and having confidence and keeping steadfast with that with running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, everybody, having confidence that we’re going to break through and figure out exactly what our personality is of the run and then other than that, I think that’s probably the one that I think is going to come faster than others.” For the second road game of his career, Williams will face one of the better passing defenses in the league. The Indianapolis Colts are No. 8 in passing yards allowed, although they have also had the fourth-least passing attempts against them. They also will be without All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. “They’re d-line, they’re pretty good. Their backers are aggressive. They’ve been awesome and they’re back seven, they (have) played well together so far,” Williams said. “I know that, obviously, these past two games, they’ve had about 200 yards on them rushing. So, I know they’re going to try (to) make sure (they) stop the run because just like anybody, stop the run, make the team one-dimensional. So, we’ll see what their plan is when we get out there, but I think it’s a great opponent and we’re excited for it.” Chicago will be facing the Colts on Sun. Sept. 22 (Noon / CBS). Indianapolis will be seeking their first of the season, while the Bears will be looking to get their second win of the year.
