Albert Breer's Takeaways: Caleb Williams' Humbling Process Helped Him Become a Confident QB Today
Caleb Williams' journey to becoming a confident quarterback is a testament to the transformative power of a humbling process. This summer, Williams is carrying himself with newfound confidence, a stark contrast to last summer when he was swimming in a sea of schemes under new head coach Ben Johnson. Despite media scrutiny, Williams' trust in Johnson's process paid off, leading to a successful season with 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns, and a NFC North championship.
The key to Williams' success lies in Johnson's tough-love approach. Johnson's methodical process, which involved breaking down Williams' strengths and weaknesses, built his confidence, mental fortitude, and strength. This approach, combined with a focus on the process rather than results, allowed Williams to grow and develop as a quarterback.
The Bears' narrow focus on schemes last year, and the ability to reintroduce some that didn't work, has given Williams more capital with his teammates to direct and lead. This has, in turn, allowed Johnson to give Williams ownership of the offense.
Williams' growth is evident in his ability to manage the year, the season, and understand what his teammates need from him. His confidence and belief in himself and his teammates have grown, and he is ready to take on the challenges of the NFL.
Colts QB Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones, a former Colts quarterback, is making a remarkable comeback after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. Through 10 games, he was statistically among the best quarterbacks in the league, with 2,659 passing yards, 8.34 yards per attempt, and a 101.6 passer rating. His injury and subsequent recovery have not deterred his determination to excel.
Jones' approach to his recovery and return to the field is commendable. He jumped right back into quarterback meetings and even rode a scooter to practice, showcasing his dedication and commitment to the team. His collaboration with coach Shane Steichen and the coaching staff has been instrumental in his comeback.
Jones' ability to communicate and work with Steichen has been a key factor in his success. Their one-on-one meetings and discussions about Steichen's playsheet have allowed Jones to excel and make a significant impact on the offense.
The Vikings' QB Decision
The Vikings' decision at quarterback was a strategic move to project at the position rather than hope. Kevin O'Connell's call to bring back Sam Darnold and add Kyler Murray to the competition provided the team with multiple levers to pull at the position.
Murray's track record and ability to enhance the run game, stretch the back side of the defense, and excel in the keeper game made him a valuable addition. His legs will also force teams to play zone or spy him, which should benefit the passing game.
The Browns' QB Decision
The Browns' quarterback decision is a work in progress, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders in the mix. Head coach Todd Monken wants to create an apples-for-apples comparison between the two quarterbacks, with Watson getting the reps with the first team and Sanders repping with the first team against the Bills.
Monken's approach to the decision-making process is methodical, with a focus on gathering as much information as possible. His track record of working with different quarterbacks and his ability to adapt to their strengths and weaknesses make him a valuable asset to the team.
Devon Witherspoon's Extension
Devon Witherspoon's contract extension with the Seahawks is a logical move. Witherspoon, a three-time Pro Bowl corner, has every reason to be over the moon with the deal. The details of the contract show why, with a fully guaranteed $59.255 million for the first two years and $76.255 million at three years.
The extension also includes a nine-figure guarantee, which is a significant win for Witherspoon. The deal reflects a belief on both Witherspoon's part and the team's part that he will maintain his level of play.
The Seahawks' Core
The Seahawks' core is being identified before our eyes, with a focus on building a strong foundation. General Manager John Schneider's lesson from the Legion of Boom teams has been to pay top-tier players in key positions, even if it means taking away from other aspects of the team.
The Seahawks have shown their commitment to their players by signing extensions to key positions, including left tackle Charles Cross, receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, receiver Rashid Shaheed, right tackle Abraham Lucas, and Witherspoon.
The Packers' Potential
The Packers have a promising young talent on the roster, with Christian Watson and Jayden Reed locked up at receiver, and 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden rounding out the receiver group. Jordan Morgan is settling in at left tackle, and defenders Devonte Wyatt and Edgerrin Cooper have also signed deals.
The team's success will depend on the health of key players, including Tucker Kraft and Micah Parsons, who are recovering from ACL tears. The Packers need a few from the young core to level up from good to great, which is what happened in Seattle last year with players like Cross, Walker, Smith-Njigba, Witherspoon, and Byron Murphy Jr.
Joe Brady/Sean Payton Comparison
Joe Brady's promotion to head coach of the Bills has drawn comparisons to his mentor, Sean Payton. Brady's approach to play-calling and his collaboration with defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who brings a similar aggressive style, is reminiscent of Payton's success with the Saints.
The Falcons' QB Uncertainty
The Falcons' quarterback situation is uncertain, with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. competing for the starting role. Tagovailoa's performance in the preseason opener was not indicative of his overall success, while Penix Jr. is still limited to 7-on-7 work due to his recovery from a torn ACL.
The team's focus is on building for the short term with Tagovailoa, while also assessing Penix Jr.'s potential in the long term. The new regime's goal is to get as long a look at Penix as possible in 2026, but the team's success will depend on the quarterback's ability to perform in the regular season.
Quick-Hitters
The Cowboys' decision to sign Quinnen Williams to a two-year deal is a smart move, with Williams emerging as a leader in Dallas. His three-year, $105.9 million extension puts him under contract for a little over $30 million per year over the next five seasons.
The Bears' offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo is ahead of schedule, showing promise in six regular-season starts last year and the playoff game he got hurt in. Ben Johnson's decision to have Antwaan Randle El call plays in the second half of the preseason opener is a significant step for assistant coaches.
The Highmark Stadium's design has received mixed reviews, with fans expressing frustration over obstructed views. The Patriots' reinstallation of turf after the World Cup grass was ripped out has led to a knee injury for Vikings linebacker Jamal Adams.
The NFL's decision to keep fake turf in stadiums has raised concerns, with the Seahawks signing Terrion Arnold to the exempt list despite his arrest for eight felonies, including kidnapping. The Rams' Aaron Donald's comeback is uncertain, with a high bar to clear to feel like himself again.
The Giants' Jaxson Dart needs to protect himself better, and the Colts' assistant GM Ed Dodds' comments on Anthony Richardson Sr. suggest a potential pivot to keeping him rather than dealing him.
