"LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- At this time last season, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was trying to survive weekly so he could make it to the next game. After taking a season-high nine sacks in a 19-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 10, Williams' sack total stood at 38. That figure would continue rising, and by the end of his rookie season, the former No. 1 pick had been sacked a league-high 68 times, the third most in NFL history."
"A conscious effort to bring that number down led the Bears to overhaul the interior of their offensive line in and around free agency. That was the starting point for Chicago in doing everything it could to protect its investment at quarterback. Another part would call on Ben Johnson's scheme to protect the 23-year-old Williams while helping to account for his vulnerabilities. Through the same nine-game stretch as a year ago, he has taken only 14 sacks."
"'Part of it is the guys I've got up front. They've been awesome for me and for us. Kudos to them and love those guys up front. The other half of it is I think coach's emphasis on me getting the ball out, and when it's time to go make a play, make the plays, and when it's time to throw it away, throw it away. And so I think just doing a better job of that overall this year, and I"
Caleb Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times as a rookie, the third-most in NFL history. The Bears prioritized protection by overhauling the interior of their offensive line around free agency. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson adjusted the scheme to better protect the 23-year-old and to account for Williams' vulnerabilities. Through the same nine-game stretch this season, Williams has been sacked only 14 times. Williams credits the offensive line and coaching emphasis on quicker decision-making, getting the ball out and throwing it away when necessary, for the reduction in sacks.
Read at ESPN.com
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