Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggled throughout Thursday's organized team activity (OTA) practice. Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron ran several 7-on-7 and other team-vs-team drills via various areas of the field, including in the red zone. The general consensus was that the Bears defense won the day. That will appease defensive coordinator Eric Washington.
Veteran wide receiver D.J. Moore called it a "frustrating day." Another Bears veteran that was on the opposite end of Thursday's practice was safety Kevin Byard. Byard played a pivotal role on a defense that flustered Williams, causing him to hold onto the football for longer than designed, or attempt dangerous passes into tight coverage.
It's worth noting that Williams was without several starters on offense. Keenan Allen, Darnell Wright, and Nate Davis were among the absences. All three starters were excused from practice. Williams was shorthanded against a terrific Bears defense that's been playing in Matt Eberflus' system for three years now.
“I said something to him at the end of practice like, ‘Keep it going. We’re going to keep making you better,’” Byard said, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN. “And not necessarily saying he had a terrible day, but days like this are going to make you better," Byard concluded.
Kevin Byard to Caleb Williams: Rough practices will make you better. https://t.co/sML7EKIB7f
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 24, 2024
Byard is a veteran defensive back that's familiar with normal rookie quarterback struggles during Spring practices. Byard began last season with the Tennessee Titans when they had a first-year quarterback Will Levis in camp. Byard was also in Tennessee when Marcus Mariota was a No. 2 overall quarterback. His advice and experiences will help Williams get better.
It's a stark reminder that Williams isn't a finished product. Less-than-ideal practices will continue to arise on occasion, especially once training camp and its more competitive practices (and physical contact) mark their arrival. Williams will string together more good days than bad ones. Thursday's OTA was simply a reminder that like all rookies, Williams remains a work in progress. Thursday's struggles will lead to improvement.