He was the highest choose within the NFL draft, a quarterback thought to be a generational expertise chosen by an NFC North workforce coming off a shedding season.
Caleb Williams?
No, Matthew Stafford.
In 2009, a number of months after they completed 0-16, the Detroit Lions chosen Stafford No. 1 total.
It took Stafford a number of seasons to seek out his NFL footing. Now — 15-plus NFL seasons later — the Tremendous Bowl champion is pushing to maneuver into the highest 10 all time in a number of passing classes.
Williams, the No. 1 choose within the 2024 draft, is three video games into his first season with the Chicago Bears. He is also a Stafford admirer, and Sunday at Soldier Area in Chicago, Stafford and the Rams will attempt to forestall a breakout efficiency by the previous USC star.
Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, has handed for 2 touchdowns, with 4 interceptions, for a workforce that’s 1-2 after a defeat by the Indianapolis Colts.
It won’t be a spectacular starting for Williams, 22, however the 36-year-old Stafford indicated that the rookie was simply getting began.
Caleb Williams factors to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who’s holding up a Williams No. 1 Chicago Bears jersey after the USC product was picked first within the 2024 draft.
(Jeff Roberson / Related Press)
“I got a little older and kind of realized how good Matthew Stafford is at his job.”
— Caleb Williams, to the Chicago press in regards to the Rams quarterback
“He’s obviously immensely talented,” Stafford mentioned. “He makes plays every single week that you see on TV that blow you away as a quarterback.
“I sit there and go, ‘Man, that is some incredible stuff. And then I’m sure there are plays that he wants back, like all of us.
“So he seems like a sharp kid. … I’m sure he’ll figure it out, more and more, as he continues to play and I’m sure he’s going to have a great career.”
Rams coach Sean McVay agrees.
“There is a reason why it was kind of understood that he would be the No. 1 overall pick and I think that’s been earned and merited,” McVay mentioned. “You watch the tape, there are a lot of really good things that you’ve seen.”
Williams first observed Stafford as a byproduct of watching highlights of Corridor of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson, often called “Megatron.” Johnson’s potential to thrive regardless of triple protection wowed him.
“I got a little older,” Williams advised reporters in Chicago, “and kind of realized how good Matthew Stafford is at his job.”
Williams famous how Stafford controls the sport. His effectivity. How he delivers passes from numerous angles. And his data of opponents.
“He knows where defensive players are going to be,” Williams mentioned. “so he can transfer ‘em on a string.”
Those attributes has helped Stafford move to the cusp of supplanting Eli Manning in 10th place on the NFL’s profession passing yardage record.
Throughout a 16-year profession with the New York Giants, Manning received two Tremendous Bowls and handed for 57,023 yards. Stafford, a Tremendous Bowl champion, has handed for 56,801 yards. He wants 223 yards passing Sunday to maneuver previous Manning.
“He’s been doing it for a while and so watching someone like that, who’s had the success he’s had, you know, you want to learn from that,” Williams mentioned. “So it’s going to be exciting to go against him.”
Williams, who obtained a four-year, $39.5 million contract, is working below offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, a former McVay assistant.
In a 24-17 season-opening victory over the Tennessee Titans, Williams accomplished 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards. He was sacked twice.
In a matchup towards Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud — one other Stafford fan — Williams was 23 of 37 for 174 yards, with two interceptions, in a 19-13 defeat. He was sacked seven occasions.
Final Sunday, Williams accomplished 33 of 52 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions, within the 21-16 defeat by the Colts.
Stafford is aware of the ups and downs a No. 1 total choose will expertise in his first season. As a rookie, he began 10 video games. The Lions received two and misplaced eight. He handed for 13 touchdowns, with 20 interceptions.
“It was not all easy for me,” he mentioned, “there’s no question about that.”
Stafford mentioned he leaned on teammates, coaches and household in order that it was not one thing he “shouldered” alone.
“There were some big-time highs and there were some big-time lows as far as my play and our team’s performance and all that kind of stuff,” Stafford mentioned. “But it’s a learning opportunity, a chance to find what you can do and what you can’t do.”
Stafford mentioned one of many causes he performs is for the respect of teammates and opponents. So he’s humbled by the admiration of youthful quarterbacks corresponding to Stroud and Williams.
“It’s cool,” he mentioned. “Makes me feel old, but I’ll take it.”
