Kyle Shanahan feels Caleb Williams is “born to play” the quarterback position
Kyle Shanahan gave a clear indication that he is infatuated with Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams by praising the USC graduate for adapting to NFL life very quickly.
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Caleb Williams and Kyle Shanahan (Image via IMAGO/X)
It’s rare for Kyle Shanahan to rave about a rookie quarterback, let alone boast that he is “born to play” the position in the NFL. There’s an exception to every rule, and it appears Shanahan holds Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in very high regard.
The San Francisco 49ers will welcome the Bears on Monday at Levi’s Stadium to get back to winning ways after a 10-35 shutout from the Buffalo Bills in Week 13. Before facing the Bears, Shanahan spoke with the media on Wednesday, and the reporters wanted to get his impression of Williams.
He’s as talented as there is. The stuff that you saw [him do] in college [USC], you can see it in the NFL. He’s as good of a thrower as there is. Born to play the position.
Kyle Shanahan said
Kyle Shanahan on #Bears QB Caleb Williams pic.twitter.com/XHzqxrRR1c
— ? (@CalebToDJ) December 4, 2024
While Williams’ first rodeo in the NFL has been far from smooth, he has shown flashes of brilliance that merit first overall selection in the 2024 draft. Williams has one extra completion compared to No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels in Washington (253 to Daniels’ 252), even though he played one less game. He also boasts a better touchdown-to-interception ratio (1.2%) compared to Daniels (1.7%), the Broncos’ Bo Nix (1.8%), and the Patriots’ Drake Maye (3.1%).
Kyle Shanahan believes Caleb Williams is playing his best football
The Bears team gave up an arm and a leg last year to acquire Williams. They allowed Justin Fields to leave and even parted ways with high draft picks.
On top of it, they added veteran receiver Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze for offensive firepower, besides boasting players such as DJ Moore and Cole Kmet.
Despite looking shaky in the beginning, Williams managed to dig in and carve out four wins. However, a rough patch of consecutive losses prompted the Bears front office to fire head coach Matt Eberflus. The 23-year-old felt responsible enough to take the blame on himself. However, Shanahan pointed out Williams has been playing his best football in the last few weeks even though the Bears are 4-8.
I think he’s getting a lot more consistent. I think he’s playing his best ball probably here the past few weeks. He has put them in a chance to win here these past few games.
Kyle Shanahan said about Williams
Caleb Williams has 2,612 yards, 14 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 86.1. The numbers are more or less neck and neck with 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who has 2,707 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions but a generous passer rating of 94.8.
.@ProFootballTalk believes it would be wise for the Bears to inquire about the draft pick compensation that it would take to pry Kyle Shanahan away from the 49ers.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) December 3, 2024
Listen as Florio discusses the Bears' coaching search with @mullyhaugh:https://t.co/3K6IyY9StE pic.twitter.com/5dmGKSfMDc
Regardless of the numbers, most would argue Williams has a higher ceiling than Purdy even after he led the Niners to an NFC title win and an appearance in the Super Bowl. Pro Football Talks’ Mike Florio (via Sports Illustrated) suggested that Shanahan perhaps requires a change of scenery, and the Bears are in the hunt for a new head coach, so next year they might target him, or the 49ers could trade Purdy and a couple of picks for Williams. Then again, the Bears need to be on board with the idea.
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Ishan Misra
(3023 Articles Published)