4 things to be watching during this Chicago Bears’ 3rd preseason game, which includes Caleb Williams’ Soldier Field debut and who’s starting on the offensive line.
Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus has said he’d like to witness “much of the same” from QB Caleb Williams against the Cincinnati Bengals defense.
By Colleen Kane
Aug 16, 2024 04:17 PM
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will make his Soldier Field debut Saturday in the preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Head coach Matt Eberflus said Thursday that Bears players will play several snaps according to “the ebb and flow of the game.” However they might take on the Bengals second-team players.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor stated at the beginning of this week that he wasn’t expecting to play a lot of players in the first week, and did not mention a change in that following a rainy joint practice on Thursday in Halas Hall.
There are 4 things you should observe during the time that the Bears prepare to play their 3rd preseason match.
1. Another glimpse of Caleb Williams
If Bears Safety Kevin Byard was asked for an evaluation of Williams the Bears’ first preseason game in the game against Buffalo Bills last week, Williams said it was “pretty good.” Then he swiftly made a correction.
“Honestly, I would say it was incredible,” Byard stated. “Obviously it was just few plays, and some throws between the lines. However, for a newcomer, the player looked very at ease. Some in his scrambles looked excellent. The screen throw he gave at (D’Andre) Swift was really impressive.
“You do not have that kind of moxie or that kind of grit from a new quarterback. I’m sure it was only one game but it was enjoyable to watch and I’m excited to watch the game next week on Saturday.”
Williams completed four of seven passes, gaining 95 yards. He also had a scramble of 13 yards in directing two field-goal drives during the Bears winning 33-6. The high-quality of a few throws, such as the throw to Swift and a third-down pass for DJ Moore and a 26-yarder to Cole Kmet, made Bears fans as well as teammates to cheer.
Eberflus stated that he would like to be able to see “much of the same” from Williams against an Bengals defense that poses different obstacles as the Bills which run similar defenses similar to Bears.
“He’s going against a different structure here, so I think much of the same and improving and doing the basics of quarterbacking,” Eberflus declared. “I think he was able to do this last week with a great rate.
“There were a few issues concerning the footwork underneath center and similar things that he needs to work on. He’s been working on them this week. It’s actually a lot of the same thing and getting more level throughout these coming weeks.”
2. Protecting Williams
A major topic of discussion during training camp has been if there are enough Bears possess the correct players in the line of attack to guard Williams during his first season. Early injuries in camp have caused problems with the continuity.
Guard/center Ryan Bates is “week to week” suffering from an injury according to Eberflus and Coleman Shelton is starting at center. Guard right Nate Davis has missed significant time due to a groin injury however, he was able to return to practice this week. He was on the first team Thursday.
It is interesting to see whether Davis plays his first practices in the preseason. Eberflus stated on Thursday that the right and center guard positions are in competition as well as “not solidified yet.”
When inquired about Eberflus remarks, Davis said his mentality is to “take the reps as they come.” However, Davis has been absent for six games last season due to the death of his family member and a calf injury, added that there are bigger goals for him as he begins into the 2nd year his three-year contract worth $30 million.
“Just to show the world the type of player I really am, especially when I’m healthy,” Davis declared. “When your mind’s in order and the body is in good shape I’m confident that I’m an exceptional player. I’m simply excited to display the fact that I am a special player.”
3. The QB is being chased
A former NFL executive and present NFL Network analyst Scott Pioli confirmed on this week that Bears were in negotiations to trade New England Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon.
Pioli who is a mentor for Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, was at Bears camp this week. He stated that he was in the same room together with Poles when he was discussing the possibility of buying Judon who opted with the Atlanta Falcons instead for a third-round draft pick.
It’s an indication that the Bears continue to look into an improvement at the defensive end, which is opposite Montez Sweat. At present, they are continuing to analyze their options in the defensive end position.
Sweat who was out of an entire preseason match due to an injury, returned during practice this week, but it’s yet to be determined whether he’ll be playing on Saturday. The Bears have DeMarcus Walker in the opposite position to Sweat however, they’ve been getting a closer analysis of players like Dominique Robinson, Daniel Hardy and rookie Austin Booker.
Hardy as well as Booker each scored 2 1/2 sacks each against the Bills backups in an eight-sack session by the Bears. The Bears have praised the performances they have witnessed from Booker the fifth-round draft pick from Kansas and also noted that he is still developing.
“He’s a natural rusher, real instinctual, doesn’t predetermine prior to (the play), and you saw that today again,” Eberflus declared on Thursday. “Some players just naturally slip and can turn around and that’s what he has. He’s getting better, but the main thing he’s got is his motor. He throws his fastball each game, which is the way a good D-lineman plays.”
4. Opportunities seized?
A lot has been said in during the past two weeks of Velus Jones Jr.’s trial at running back in an attempt to be named on the roster. He ran six times to score 34 yards as well as scored a touchdown in the game against Buffalo Bills and was featured as a part of the storyline of last week’s “Hard Knocks” episode.
Eberflus told reporters on the other day that Jones has shown “toughness” in making the shift from wide receiver and is gradually learning the skills and reads requires to be a running back.
Jones will have more chances Saturday as backups for players D’Andre Swift and Khalil Herbert. With all the starters on the roster there are plenty of backups who will be trying to show their skills.
For the side that is defensive, it could include the mentioned pass rushers, or perhaps some of the defensive backs who have been given opportunities because of injuries in camp for nickel Kyler Gordon Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, and Safety Jaquan Brisker.
Gordon and Stevenson have returned to training this week and may play. However, Brisker is still out. Byard was elated by the performance he’s seen from 2022’s seventh-rounder Elijah Hicks in Brisker’s absence.
“Elijah Hicks has been playing his behind off,” Byard stated. “I really enjoy the guy. I’m sure it’s the seventh-round pick (seventh-round selection) and he’s got the side-burner and you can see it in the air, regardless of regardless of whether special teams are involved or defensive.
“And this is what I keep telling him. Jaquan clearly is going to be back but (seize) every chance you have to come out and display your football skills Show your physicality.”
Coordinator of defense Eric Washington also singled out Josh Blackwell for his work on the nickel, as Gordon was ruled out.
“Really like how he’s been working,” Washington declared. “He has really stepped up.”
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