The Chicago Bears were back at training camp on Thursday morning with their second practice of the summer, and there was plenty to break down from Day 2, including the performance of quarterback Caleb Williams.
Williams is entering his third season following a breakout sophomore campaign where he set a franchise single-season passing record, led an NFL record seven fourth quarter comebacks (including the postseason) while leading Chicago to an 11-6 record, NFC North title and playoff win. That was all in one season with head coach Ben Johnson. Now, all eyes are on Williams this summer as he continues to develop under Johnson and make a huge leap in Year 3.
We’re taking a look at the good, the bad and the noteworthy with Williams from the second
practice of Bears training camp:
The Good
Williams had one of his better practices on Thursday, according to Adam Hoge. He completed well over 70 percent of his passes -- which remains the goal from Ben Johnson for his young quarterback -- and only had four incompletions, per Hoge. Williams was "sharp" during team drills, where he "spread the ball around to a lot of receivers," per Bear Report, which was "encouraging for the offense." Adam Jahns added that there were "chunk-yardage plays all day for Williams and the offense." Added Clay Harbor: "He was decisive, accurate and in command. Very few balls hit the ground, and you can see how much more comfortable he is operating Ben’s offense."
The Bad
There wasn't a lot of bad for Williams during Thursday's practice, so I'm going to get nitpicky for a moment here. Williams had four incompletions during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11, including one that was tipped at the line of scrimmage, per Adam Jahns. It "was eventually caught by Burden after tight end Cole Kmet fended off defenders fighting for the interception." While the offense has seen a much cleaner operation and more organization in Year 2 under Ben Johnson, Jahns noted that "the starters also had to re-huddle for the first play of the final team period." Again, nitpicking here.
The Noteworthy
Williams spread the ball around during Thursday's practice, where Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland all got targets. But it's the burgeoning chemistry between Williams and veteran newcomer Kalif Raymond that turned heads on Day 2.
Brad Biggs said it was a "highlight day" for Raymond catching passes from Williams and Tyson Bagent. But the biggest came on a 54-yard bomb for a touchdown from Williams during 11-on-11 over cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, according to CHGO's Adam Jahns.
“Man, it’s been great to have ‘Lif,” Odunze said Thursday. “He’s been great for us as a veteran in the room, just with his insight, being in Ben’s offense for many years over there in Detroit from that side of things.
“But also just his receiver play: his details, his route running, his stride. He’s quick. You guys saw him today. He can get over the top of the defense. He’s brought a very positive vibe to the room, very humorous as well. Vibes are up in the room and also skill as well with him.”
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Caleb Williams Watch: How Bears QB performed on Day 2 of training camp
