Rams coach Sean McVay still wowed by 'stud' Caleb Williams' late-game heroics
PHOENIX — Two months later, Rams coach Sean McVay still can’t wrap his mind around the throw Bears quarterback Caleb Williams made to force overtime in their playoff game.
“The things that are so impressive are when things go off-schedule,” he said Monday at the NFL Annual Meeting. “I mean, I couldn’t believe what I witnessed on that fourth down and four. One of the most incredible plays I’ve ever seen.”
On fourth-and-four from the 14 with 27 seconds to play in January, Williams sprinted backward before heaving a pass to tight end Cole Kmet, who camped under it for a touchdown catch. The Bears kicked an extra point to tie the game but lost in overtime.
The play was indicative of what Williams could become. Getting an endorsement from one of the most respected minds in the NFL shows how far Williams has come from this time last year.
“He’s a stud,” McVay said. “Just preparing for him, watching the crunch-time throws, I think he did a great job. [Coach] Ben [Johnson] does an excellent job putting a lot of pressure on defenses, but he’s doing a lot of different things pre-snap. … Really impressed by that.”
Williams' late-game wizardry rubbed off on his teammates, McVay said.
“He seems like he lights up, and he’s at his best in the most important moments,” said McVay, who has bumped into Williams around Los Angeles this offseason. “You can tell there’s a belief that his teammates have in him. …
“He's a fun guy to watch. I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect. … I wish him the best — except for when they’re playing the Rams.”