Caleb Williams’ Impact on the NFL and USC Trojans’ Legacy
Following his performances in the Chicago Bears’ preseason games, former USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams is demonstrating why he garnered both admiration and criticism from fans during his college career. Williams’ skills, which include evading pass rushers and making throws while on the move, continue to be evident, and he’s showcasing his ability to connect on deep passes.
Despite winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, Williams still faces skepticism from some NFL observers. The history of highly touted players not living up to expectations adds to the scrutiny, even though Williams’ talent seems poised to transition successfully to the professional level. This potential has captured national attention, with media, fans, and players like former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill closely following his progress.
Caleb Williams so nice he remind me of ……
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) August 17, 2024
Tyreek Hill’s remarks about Williams might be a reference to his current Miami Dolphins quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, but it is more plausible that Hill is drawing a parallel to Patrick Mahomes, a comparison that has persisted since Williams’ USC days. This comparison gains credibility considering Williams’ recent highlight—a remarkable off-balance throw to fellow rookie Rome Odunze, which set up a spectacular touchdown run by Williams himself.
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However, Williams’ performance also reflects some persistent issues from his time with USC. His initial drive in the Bears’ game illustrated these concerns. On the first two plays, Williams missed two high-percentage throws, one aimed at Keenan Allen and another at Gerald Everett. Additionally, during a subsequent touchdown drive, he overthrew Everett after evading pressure from the Cincinnati Bengals, a moment where Williams’ decision to throw on the run instead of resetting his feet compromised his accuracy.
Ultimately, Williams’ day ended with disappointing statistics: a 46% completion rate, an average of 5.8 yards per catch, and a quarterback rating of 64.6. These numbers reflect both the potential and the challenges he faces as he transitions to the NFL, highlighting the ongoing debate about his readiness and the extent to which his college success will translate to the professional level.
