Former Colts HC sides with Bill Belichick in assault on Bears’ massive roster construction oversight with Caleb Williams’ offense
Caleb Williams' hyped-up debut this season has been met with a 0-2 start. Williams' stat lines have been the first talking point when fans have discussed the young rookie.
However, two analysts are pointing fingers at the offensive line. Speaking in a clip provided by Get Up, Bill Belichick blamed the struggling offensive line for Williams' struggles.
Bill Belichick: "(It's) really an issue for Chicago, just in terms of the overall team construction, like the way they decided to do it. The Bears have really put their resources into ... receivers. But they've had problems on their offensive line, and doesn't really look like that's gotten much better," he said. Pat McAfee Show clip via Get Up (1:32)
Former Colts coach and Peyton Manning's former center agreed. Speaking on a September 17 edition of Get Up on Saturday, Jeff Saturday used a harsher tone.
Jeff Saturday: "When people blitz him, it's done. You have no shot. People are getting ... run over in the interior portion of the line. ... I don't care what quarterback you are, you want to make Tom Brady a near mortal or Peyton Manning (mortal), rush (them) up the middle. And that's what's happening. Nine sacks on 25 dropbacks," he said. Get Up (2:09)
After two games, Williams has thrown for zero touchdowns and two interceptions. He has completed 56.1% of his passes, well below the average quarterback, and also has a cumulative passer rating of 53.0.
Rating every starting 2024 rookie QB's offensive line including Caleb Williams
The offensive line is one of the most important positions in the NFL. When things are going well, they rarely see praise. When things go poorly, they are the first to be thrown under the bus. Here's a look at where each of the rookie quarterbacks' blocking units rank.
Jayden Daniels' offensive line - C
Jayden Daniels is ahead of Caleb Williams on the stat sheet in many categories. However, one cannot claim that Daniels has a vastly superior line than Williams. The team has Brandon Coleman, Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz, Sam Cosumi and Andrew Wylie.
Caleb Williams' offensive line - C
Caleb Williams has the spicy new additions at wide receiver in the form of Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, but they lack something at the offensive line. The line this season features Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton, Nate Davis and Darnell Wright.
Bo Nix's offensive line - B
While Bo Nix might have the weakest statistical comparison of the three starting rookie quarterbacks, his offensive line is solid. The team features Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meiners and Mike McGlinchey.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Get Up" and H/T Sportskeeda.