Why did Bears legend push back on Caleb Williams and Aaron Rodgers comparison? Here’s what Lance Briggs noticed
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Aug 17, 2026, 07.38 AM IST
Caleb Williams enters his third season with the Chicago Bears facing bigger expectations. His arm talent and ability to create outside the pocket have made him one of the NFL’s most exciting young quarterbacks. Still, one former Bears star does not see a clear comparison with Aaron Rodgers. Lance Briggs believes Williams has plenty of room to grow before he reaches that level.
“No, I think Aaron was a pure passer. It didn't matter where he scrambled left or scrambled right. His completion rate didn't decline at all,” Briggs said.
The former Chicago Bears linebacker then explained what stood out when he prepared to face Rodgers.
“It was one of the craziest stats I'd ever seen in my life in preparing for him,” Briggs said. “A lot of times you get a quarterback to scramble both sides, typically one side, his completion rating on one side is not as great as the other. Aaron Rodgers was pretty much 100% no matter where he threw the ball from.”
That trait made Aaron Rodgers difficult to attack. If pressure failed to push him toward an uncomfortable throwing direction, defenses had fewer ways to disrupt him.
Lance Briggs' comments also show why he sees Aaron Rodgers as a pure passer rather than simply another mobile quarterback.
However, his accuracy needs to become more consistent. Williams completed 58.1% of his passes as a rookie in 2024. That ranked 31st among qualified NFL quarterbacks, ahead of only J.J. McCarthy. The figure showed that his playmaking ability still needed to come with better efficiency.
Williams now enters the 2026 season with two years of NFL experience behind him. He also continues to work in Ben Johnson's offensive system, giving the No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft another chance to sharpen his passing.
Briggs also mentioned Archie Manning as a quarterback Williams reminded him of. That comparison fits his broader assessment. Williams has the creativity to make something happen when a play breaks down, but consistent accuracy will decide how far he can take his game.
For the Chicago Bears, that development means more than any comparison with Aaron Rodgers. Williams does not need to become Aaron Rodgers. He needs to become a more complete version of himself.
Bears star Lance Briggs explains why Aaron Rodgers remains different from Caleb Williams
Chicago Bears star Lance Briggs shared his thoughts while speaking with Action Network’s DJ Siddiqi. He pointed to Aaron Rodgers’ unusual accuracy when explaining why he would not compare the two quarterbacks.“No, I think Aaron was a pure passer. It didn't matter where he scrambled left or scrambled right. His completion rate didn't decline at all,” Briggs said.
The former Chicago Bears linebacker then explained what stood out when he prepared to face Rodgers.
“It was one of the craziest stats I'd ever seen in my life in preparing for him,” Briggs said. “A lot of times you get a quarterback to scramble both sides, typically one side, his completion rating on one side is not as great as the other. Aaron Rodgers was pretty much 100% no matter where he threw the ball from.”
That trait made Aaron Rodgers difficult to attack. If pressure failed to push him toward an uncomfortable throwing direction, defenses had fewer ways to disrupt him.
Lance Briggs' comments also show why he sees Aaron Rodgers as a pure passer rather than simply another mobile quarterback.
Caleb Williams has the talent, but accuracy remains the next step
Caleb Williams brings a different challenge. He can escape pressure, extend plays and make difficult throws while moving. That creativity remains one of his biggest strengths.However, his accuracy needs to become more consistent. Williams completed 58.1% of his passes as a rookie in 2024. That ranked 31st among qualified NFL quarterbacks, ahead of only J.J. McCarthy. The figure showed that his playmaking ability still needed to come with better efficiency.
Williams now enters the 2026 season with two years of NFL experience behind him. He also continues to work in Ben Johnson's offensive system, giving the No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft another chance to sharpen his passing.
Briggs also mentioned Archie Manning as a quarterback Williams reminded him of. That comparison fits his broader assessment. Williams has the creativity to make something happen when a play breaks down, but consistent accuracy will decide how far he can take his game.
For the Chicago Bears, that development means more than any comparison with Aaron Rodgers. Williams does not need to become Aaron Rodgers. He needs to become a more complete version of himself.