Kyle Shanahan lauds Caleb Williams' elite arm talent and electrifying athleticism, revealing why the Bears QB is a game-changer.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is one of the best offensive minds in the country.
So, for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to receive praise from him is a high honor. The 49ers and Bears meet at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, with a lot on the line for both teams, even though they've clinched playoff spots.
The No. 1 seed is still up for grabs for either team. Both will need to win out, obviously, but a loss from the Seattle Seahawks is key for the Bears and 49ers. San Francisco is currently the No. 5 seed, and Chicago is the No. 2.
Shanahan spoke at a recent press conference and stated that Williams is one of the best throwers and most athletic quarterbacks he has ever seen. He has every right to be afraid of the kind of plays Williams can create.
"Caleb is one of the best throwers and most athletic quarterbacks I've ever seen, in terms of his height, weight and speed," Shanahan said. "He makes some big-time throws. Extremely scary on the perimeter. Can hold onto the ball for a while, not in a big way, but like creating stuff which makes coverages have to hold up forever. When you have a talented guy like that who's got the speed and size, usually they get a run game. Get some bootlegs and play action off it. You limit how many times you drop back, and it makes sense why he's playing at such a high level."
You can look back at the touchdown throw to D.J. Moore Williams made against the Cleveland Browns to see just how talented the quarterback is. Williams made a throw across his body, and it landed in Moore's hands with Browns defenders nearby.
Sunday night's game won't be the first time that Shanahan and the 49ers have taken on Williams. They played last season, with the 49ers coming out on top 38-13. The offense struggled for most of that game, with Williams finishing with 134 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Williams has already surpassed his touchdown numbers from his rookie season and is close to a new career high in passing yards. The second-year gunslinger has 23 touchdowns after recording 20 as a rookie. He needs 142 passing yards to pass his yardage total from last season (3,541).
After the 49ers, the Bears close out the regular season with the Detroit Lions. San Francisco ends the regular season with the Seahawks, in what will be a crucial NFC West battle.
Something has to give as these NFC contenders meet on the gridiron on Sunday Night Football. Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC and Peacock.