Is Caleb Williams’ Unique NFL Style Sustainable? Watch Now – The Athletic
The Chicago Bears have displayed significant improvement in the NFL, largely due to their second-year quarterback, Caleb Williams. A fascinating aspect of Williams’ performance is his ability to hold the ball for longer periods without suffering many sacks. Despite holding the ball longer than any quarterback since 2012, his sack rate has dramatically decreased.
Caleb Williams’ Performance Analysis
This season, Williams averages 3.13 seconds before attempting a throw or scrambling. Compared to last season, where he took an alarming number of sacks, this year he has managed to reduce his sack rate from 10.8% to 4.8%. This positions him as sixth best in the league heading into Week 13.
Game Insights
Williams’ time holding the ball has made him an outlier among quarterbacks. His performance in 2025, as depicted in statistical charts, shows distinct contrasts with previous seasons:
- In 2024, he faced over twice the sack rate compared to 2025.
- Current data indicates a significant improvement in his decision-making and avoidance strategies.
Offensive Improvement Under Ben Johnson
Under the leadership of head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears have experienced a substantial increase in offensive efficiency. This year’s Offensive Expected Points Added (EPA) per game has risen by 7.3, marking the fifth-largest increase in the league, according to TruMedia. Notably, over half of this improvement—approximately 3.8 EPA per game—can be attributed to a reduction in the sacks taken by Williams.
Enhanced Protection and Elusiveness
Improvements to the Bears’ interior offensive line this offseason have bolstered protection for Williams. Yet, his enhanced elusiveness against pass rushers plays a crucial role in avoiding sacks.
Sustainability of Performance
The question remains: Is this trend sustainable? In last week’s victory over Pittsburgh, Williams demonstrated a shorter holding time of 2.52 seconds on average. However, he was still sacked during a prolonged play that lasted 4.9 seconds, leading to a fumble recovery touchdown for the Steelers.
As Williams continues to lead the league in hold time, his capacity to escape pressure promises excitement but also risk. His ability to limit negative plays this season showcases his development and adaptability as a quarterback.
