The Los Angeles Rams head to Soldier Field to take on a red-hot Chicago Bears offense led by second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
Under Williams and first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears have won 11 of their past 15 games, including an NFL-best six comebacks in the fourth quarter. Chicago had another one in the wild-card round against the Green Bay Packers when Williams led a six-play, 66-yard drive with under three minutes left in the game for the go-ahead touchdown pass. Williams finished the game with 361 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Williams’ performances are not lost on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. He noted during the “Let’s Go!” podcast with Jim Gray that Williams makes plays outside of the pocket better than most in the NFL, and that type of playmaking ability will test the Rams’ defense in the divisional round.
“It’ll be a big test for our defense, a big test for our team, really just going there and trying to come away with a victory,” Stafford said. “But what he’s doing is pretty special. And especially the late game stuff and his ability to make plays off schedule is second to none in the league right now if you ask me.”
The Rams’ defense has been in a recent slump, particularly when it comes to allowing plays to quarterbacks. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young carved up the defense in the second half when Carolina kept pace with L.A. and finished with 264 yards and a touchdown. The defense has also given up at least 25 points in five of its past seven games dating back to the Rams’ Week 13 loss to the Panthers. This is all after allowing just 20.4 points on average over the course of the regular season.
Williams has been known to make mistakes — his 58.1% completion rate is near the bottom of the league — but he’s proven time and time again that he can take advantage of situations in critical moments to lead his team to victory.
The Rams will need to watch out for his playmaking ability in the divisional round.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Matthew Stafford says Caleb Williams will be ‘a big test’ for defense
Reporting by Tyler Greenawalt, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
