Four things to keep an eye on during 4 things to watch in Chicago Bears’ 3rd preseason game, which includes Caleb Williams’ Soldier Field debut, and who will be starting on the offensive line.
Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus stated that he would 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 match against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The coach Matt Eberflus said Thursday that Bears players will take several snaps in accordance with “the ebb and flow of the game.” But, they could be playing against Bengals second-teamers.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told reporters during the course of week that he wasn’t expecting to play several starters, and did not mention a change in the team following a wet joint practice held Thursday in Halas Hall.
There are 4 things you should be watching while the Bears prepare to play their 3rd preseason match.
1. Another glimpse of Caleb Williams
In the event that Bears security Kevin Byard was asked for an evaluation of Williams the Bears’ opening game of the preseason in the game against Buffalo Bills last week, Williams said it was “pretty good.” He then quickly corrected himself.
“Honestly, I would say it was incredible,” Byard declared. “Obviously it was just two plays, and throwing a few throws there and there. For a rookie, the player appeared very confident. Some to his throws that he scrambled were very impressive. The little screen throw he made towards (D’Andre) Swift was really impressive.
“You don’t really see that type of moxie and that type of poise from a rookie quarterback. I know it was just one game, but it was really good to see and I’m looking forward to watching him again on Saturday.”
Williams completed four of seven passes, gaining 95 yards. He added the 13-yard scramble in directing two field goal drives during the Bears winning 33-6. The accuracy of some throws, like the pass 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 has said he’d like to observe “much of the same” from Williams against the Bengals defense that poses different issues in comparison to the Bills that play the same defense as the 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 stated. “I believe he accomplished this last week with a great rate.
“There were a couple things with the footwork under center and those types of things where he’s got to improve. He’s worked on those this week. But really much of the same and leveling up as we go through these weeks.”
2. Protecting Williams
One of the major stories throughout camp was what Bears are equipped with the proper players on the offensive line to safeguard Williams in his debut season. Early camp injuries have mess up with the continuity.
Guard/center Ryan Bates is “week to week” injured According to Eberflus and Coleman Shelton is starting at center. Guard right Nate Davis has missed significant time because of a groin strain however, he was able to return to practice this week. He was on the first team Thursday.
It’s interesting to see what happens if Davis plays his first practices in the preseason. Eberflus stated on Thursday that the right and center guard positions are in competition in the upcoming season and “not solidified yet.”
When inquired about Eberflus remarks, Davis said his mentality is to “take the reps as they come.” However, Davis was a bit absent from six games in the last season due to the death of his family member and an injury, added that the team has higher goals in mind as he begins his second season of 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 the mind is right, the body is good, I know I am a special player. I’m just excited to showcase that.”
3. The QB is being chased
The former NFL executive and present NFL Network analyst Scott Pioli revealed Thursday that the Bears were involved in negotiations to trade New England Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon.
Pioli is a mentor to Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, was at Bears camp this week. Pioli claimed he was at the same time together with Poles when he was discussing the possibility of purchasing Judon who was traded for the Atlanta Falcons instead for a third-round selection.
This is a sign 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 on the field.
Sweat who was unable to play in an entire preseason match because of an injury, returned during practice this week, however it is yet to be determined whether he’ll make it to Saturday. The Bears have DeMarcus Walker in the opposite position to Sweat however, they’ve taken a more in-depth analysis of players such as Dominique Robinson, Daniel Hardy and rookie Austin Booker.
Hardy as well as Booker each recorded 2 1/2 sacks each against the Bills backups in an eight-sack day for Bears. The Bears have been lauding the performances they have witnessed from Booker who is a fifth-round selection from Kansas but also stating 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 stated on Thursday. “Some guys just have natural slip and are able to turn the corner, and he’s got that. He’s improving, and the most important thing he has is motor. He throws his fastball every play, and that’s what a good D-lineman does.”
4. Opportunities seized?
A lot has been said in during the last two weeks of Velus Jones Jr.’s run-back saga as he tried to be named on the roster. He rushed six times with 34 yards, and scored a touchdown in the game against Bills Bills and was the main character on the current “Hard Knocks” episode.
Eberflus told reporters on the other day that Jones has shown “toughness” in making the transition from wide receiver to running back and is gradually learning the readings and defenses he must have to run back.
Jones is expected to get more opportunities Saturday, with backups to the starters D’Andre Swift and Khalil Herbert. In addition, with the starters on the roster there are plenty of backups who will be trying to show what they can accomplish.
For the side that is defensive, it could include the mentioned pass rushers or the reserve players in the secondary who have had opportunities due to injury in nickel Kyler Gordon and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, the safety Jaquan Brisker.
Gordon and Stevenson have returned to training this week and may play. However, Brisker isn’t in the lineup, and Byard expressed his satisfaction with the performances he’s witnessed from the 2022 seventh-round selection Elijah Hicks in Brisker’s absence.
“Elijah Hicks has been playing his behind off,” Byard stated. “I really enjoy the guy. I’m aware that He’s an (seventh-round selection) and has the Chip on his shoulder and you can see it everywhere regardless of defense or special teams.
“And that’s what I keep telling him. Jaquan, obviously he’s going to come back, but (seize) every opportunity you get to come out here and show your brand of football, show your physicality.”
The defensive coordinator Eric Washington also singled out Josh Blackwell for his work as a nickel player as Gordon was out.
“Really like how he’s been working,” Washington declared. “He has really stepped up.”
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