Inside Caleb Williams’ first week with new play-caller — and Thomas Brown’s vision for turning around the Bears

On his first play against the Green Bay Packers, Caleb Williams lined up in shotgun.

Running back D’Andre Swift flanked his left side, wide receiver Rome Odunze in the backfield to the Chicago Bears quarterback’s right. Just before the snap, Williams sent wide receiver D.J. Moore in motion.

Then Williams handed off to Swift, who advanced two yards upfield.

The gain was limited, the drive ultimately enough to set up a 53-yard field goal.

But from the coaches’ box, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown saw his first call differently.

On the Chicago Bears’ first play vs. the Green Bay Packers, Caleb Williams (18) lined up in shotgun with running back D’Andre Swift to his left, receiver Rome Odunze to his right. (NFL Pro /Film Room)

The Bears had fired Shane Waldron and promoted Brown from passing game coordinator four days earlier. Brown viewed his early-game script as a chance to communicate his intent to his own players and to his opponent.

And then?

“Build tendencies to break them,” he told Yahoo Sports in a Tuesday phone interview. “Give the same presentation and then still present something different to the defense.”

So 10 more offensive plays elapsed. Williams targeted each of his top three receivers and his top running back in a concerted effort to get as many teammates involved in the flow of the game early, while also using his own legs to escape more productively than he had all season.

Then the Bears faced second-and-5 with 2:23 to play in the first quarter.

Again, Williams aligned in shotgun. And again, Moore and Swift flanked him.

The formation was flipped: Odunze on Williams’ left this time, Swift on his right. Moore again motioned across, but he, too, came from the right.

And this time, Williams didn’t hand off to Swift. He pitched a jet sweep to Moore, who took the toss two yards upfield to the left sideline.

First down.

And, perhaps, something more.

(Screenshot via NFL Pro Film Room)

The Bears understand how much progress they, and especially…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-11-20 18:59:00

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