Caleb Williams made it through just two NFL games before the Chicago Bears made a big change.
With Williams struggling to lead the Bears to points entering Week 3, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 draft was given a device designed to “speed up” his ability to run Chicago’s offense.
GettyCaleb Williams made a big change before his third NFL start[/caption]
Wristbands have long been used by NFL quarterbacks, mainly to help call out complicated plays to teammates in the huddle.
According to NFL Network, Williams was set to wear a “wear a wristband today for the first time, with hopes of having a faster and cleaner operation.”
“The plan is for him to use it consistently for play-calls throughout the game today,” Stacey Dales reported.
“He’s worn a band – but I’m told the calls will work through/off the wrist band.
“The goal is to speed up the operation so he has more time at the line of scrimmage.”
Chicago started the season 1-1 entering a Week 3 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
But Williams was visibly frustrated after last week’s Sunday Night Football loss to Houston, initially ignoring advice from Texans QB C.J. Stroud.
Williams, who signed a $39million rookie-level contract, has completed 56.1 percent of his passes for only 267 yards.
He hadn’t thrown a touchdown entering Week 3 but had been picked off twice and posted a poor 53.0 passer rating.
Before the season, Williams had said the Bears’ punter wouldn’t have to punt often, and the former USC star had doubled down on his highly confident personality.
Williams was the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft but struggled in his initial pro gamesGetty
GettyWilliams was coached up before the Bears tried to improve with another win[/caption]
With Chicago turning to a wristband to speed up Williams’ on-field playcalls, the hope is that the young Bears QB can rely more on his natural talent and less on time-consuming explanations.
Fans got a kick out of Chicago making a noticeable change after just two games.
“So you’re telling me they let a rookie go out without the book in hand,” one fan tweeted.
“Thought he was a Hall of Famer already,” a second fan posted. “That is what everyone was saying before the season.”
“Helping the new guy,” a third fan wrote. “Smart.”
Other Bears fans pointed out that Williams had previously wore a wristband.
But as NFL Network reported, Week 3 was planned to be different since Williams would use it “consistently for play-calls throughout the game.”
“Whoever is calling the plays, make the pocket move and quick passing game,” a fan tweeted.
Stroud went out his way to help Williams after his first NFL loss.
With cameras zooming in on the field, Stroud approached Williams and delivered a heartfelt personal message.
“Just keep going,” Stroud recalled telling Williams. “It’s not going to be easy.
“You got picked at one for a reason, because they trust in you and they believe in you.”
The Bears rookie vowed to be better moving forward.
“We didn’t execute the way we needed to,” Williams said. “We’re going to keep getting better. I’m a young guy and it’s a long season.”
Then he started Week 3 with help calling plays.
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