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Bears OTA observations: Caleb Williams, offense struggle against ‘salty’ defense originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Bears veteran safety Kevin Byard said rookie quarterback Caleb Williams took it to the defense during the first day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at Halas Hall earlier this week.
That wasn’t the case Thursday during the first media viewing session.
Williams and the Bears’ offense struggled in both 7-on-7 work and an 11-on-11 red zone period, during which the rookie quarterback completed just four passes while being “sacked” five times.
The Bears’ offense was without rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (hamstring), as well as wide receiver Keenan Allen, right guard Nate Davis, and right tackle Darnell Wright, who were not present.
Williams had multiple completions to running back D’Andre Swift during the 11-on-11 period. He also linked up with tight end Gerald Everett once.
But Williams held onto the ball too long and had numerous passes broken up by a secondary that blanketed DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, Everett, Tyler Scott, and Dante Pettis.
The Bears’ defense, which is always vocal, let the offense know they had their number today.
“We had a really good practice outside today. The guys were really flying around, really salty,” defensive coordinator Eric Washington said after practice.
“I mean, we had a good day,” Byard said. “I’m not going to sit here and lie about that. But to be honest, it’s to be expected. You have a returning top-15, top-10 defense, obviously going against a younger rookie quarterback who’s getting acclimated and learning things, that’s what it is supposed to look like.”
As the incompletions and “sacks” racked up, the frustration mounted for Williams and the Bears’ offense.
Wide receiver DJ Moore knows there will be “growing pains” with a rookie quarterback. Patience will be essential as they all work to learn a new offense and get Williams up to speed.
“It’s frustrating but we also know that we’re…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-ota-observations-caleb-williams-211404392.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2024-05-23 21:14:04
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