Falcons coach not taking Bears’ Caleb Williams threat lightly

Imagn Images

Falcons coach not taking Bears’ Caleb Williams threat lightly

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Oct 16, 2026 10:25 PM ET

Whether or not Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will play in Week 6 still hasn’t been decided. But the Atlanta Falcons will at least be prepared to face the standout playmaker.

There aren’t many quarterbacks in the league who can evade the pocket like Williams. Furthermore, the Bears offense as a unit gains an entirely different dynamic with him under center. The Falcons are aware of how difficult a challenge that can spawn.

Atlanta has seen Williams practice in full twice leading up to Friday. Another full practice should have him in line to start on Sunday. Still, the Falcons will be patiently waiting to see Chicago’s official announcement.

Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been crafting up a gameplan capable of stopping Williams. But even he knows that’ll be easier said than done.

Bears’ Caleb Williams will have full Falcons attention

Sep 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes the ball during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

If Williams plays, he’ll be coming off of a three-game layoff. But the quarterback doesn’t think that’ll affect his game. Neither does Ulrich, who has come to understand and respect exactly what the playmaker brings to the Bears and NFL at large, via Marc Raimondi of ESPN.

“This is my first time going against him,” Ulbrich said. “Now that I’ve gotten the opportunity to really study him, he’s not just the face of the franchise. He’s one of the faces of the NFL, of the league. It’s going to be a great challenge”

Watching Williams on tape is one thing, actually stopping him on the gridiron is another. But if the quarterback plays, that will be the Falcons’ main focus. Ulbrich at least has some ideas on how to slow things down.

With the Bears at 3-2 and Falcons sitting 2-3, both franchises know how crucial a win in Week 6 could be. Which is why Ulbrich isn’t letting Williams out of his sight despite the quarterback’s injury status.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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