Bears training camp observations: Defense stymies Caleb Williams, offense in red zone

Bears training camp observations: Defense stymies Caleb Williams, offense in red zone originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Caleb Williams’ development and growth won’t be linear. There will be bumpy practices as the Bears rookie quarterback continues to create a solid base for his NFL liftoff.

Thursday’s practice was filled with teaching moments for the No. 1 overall pick.

Williams was once again precise and accurate in 7-on-7 work, but the defense put the clamps on the offense in the red-zone-centric 11-on-11 periods.

The Bears’ defensive line caused havoc for most of the day, causing Williams to extend plays and experiment with unique arm angles to get passes off. During the first block of 11-on-11 work, defensive end Montez Sweat got quick pressure off the edge, forcing Williams to fire a submarine pass to wide receiver Keenan Allen. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson batted the pass away.

Williams’ lone completion during the first block off 11-on-11 work went to running back D’Andre Swift.

That first team period was a harbinger of what was to come for Williams and the Bears’ offense.

Williams completed just three passes during two red zone periods. He also had a ball tipped at the line by defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and fumbled when he got stuck in a muddy pocket and had the ball knocked out by Sweat. Sweat immediately pointed to himself and apologized for touching the quarterback.

The shaky red-zone period is a necessary learning experience for the rookie quarterback as he continues to get a feel for what is and isn’t possible at this level.

“It’s harder in the red zone because things are shorter, it’s condensed, and it’s just harder to execute down there,” head coach Matt Eberflus said after practice. “So, windows are tighter. We’re going to have to learn what those are. 7-on-7 was good, but once we got into team, it was more fast paced, you can feel the rush. It’s just about going through the process of that.”

The…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-training-camp-observations-defense-184618556.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-07-25 18:46:18

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