Caleb Williams’ rookie season has seen some high highs, low lows, and plenty of hits in and out of the pocket. The Chicago Bears quarterback has spent too much time getting hit this season, having been sacked a league-high 67 times through 17 games. You won’t hear the rookie take aim at his offensive line for those issues, though, and he’s getting sick of hearing the criticism from outside the building.
Williams spoke with the media on Wednesday for his final weekly press conference of the season and was asked by Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times about the seven sacks he took in the 6-3 loss last week to the Seattle Seahawks and which ones were his responsibility. After a brief pause to gather his words, Williams shared some strong thoughts about the subject matter.
“I think throughout this year, there’s been a stupid, excuse my language, stupid idea behind my offensive linemen,” Williams said. “The connotation behind my offensive line has been annoying and frustrating because they work their tail off to be able to go out there, and whether guys are fighting injuries or whether guys can’t play…the negative connotation behind them, they come in here and work their butt off each day, each week. I’ve taken sacks, yes, and a good amount have been on me, whether it’s small things of getting the ball out of my hands or maybe dirting it, maybe not trying to find the perfect route, perfect play…like I said, and I don’t misjudge words, the stupid connotation behind my offensive line being bad is not the truth. I’ve taken a good amount of sacks that have been my fault.”
Those are strong words from a young player who is sick of hearing the criticism directed at his teammates. Not all sacks are created equal, and some are definitely on Williams for holding the ball too long. Others are blown assignments or poor technique that winds up with a defender taking down the quarterback.
With one game to go, Williams and the offensive line will try and avoid setting the single-season sack record, held by David Carr in 2002 with 76. They’re set to face the playoff-bound Green Bay Packers in the regular season finale, who are seventh in the NFL with 44 sacks. No matter what happens, though, Williams is stepping up and taking responsibility for those hits.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears QB Caleb Williams stands up for his offensive line
