Press Coverage: Williams Reflects on Texans' Pressure, Eyes Improvement

Welcome to Press Coverage. During the week, I'll attempt to pull out key talking points, memorable quotes, and what the Chicago Bears coaches and players had to say from the podium.

Head Coach - Matt Eberflus

INJURY UPDATE

After thanking a beat reporter for asking how he was doing today, Flus started his presser by calling out today's key DNPs (Did Not Practice/Participate). Keenan Allen (Heel), Teven Jenkins (Bruised Thigh), Zaach Pickens (Groin), and Khari Blasingame (Knee) were all not practicing. As always, the goal is to get these players "back on the grass" as soon as possible.

Flus also made a note to call out that they signed DL Dashaun Mallory to the practice squad. The former undrafted free agent out of Michigan State was initially signed in May following the Rookie Mini-Camp and later cute when getting the roster down to 53 players.

COACHING, DRILLS & FUNDAMENTALS

The poor offensive line play in Sunday's 19-13 loss to the Texans meant that Flus had to face a few questions on whether there would be changes to the starting line-up. Bottom line, outside of Jenkins not practicing there would be no moves on the line at this time. Instead the focus this week is on coaching, drills, and fundamentals.

Flus believes that the issues with blitz pick-up, pass blocking, and the running game came down to execution. The line needs to pick up and pass off on stunts better. The way to beat blitzes is by having different looks, whether earlier in the game or previous games, off the same groupings and formations. Right now the team's goal is continuity and focusing on the basics. Line Coach Chris Williams has his work cut out for him.

WORKING ON OFFENSIVE IDENTITY

"We're working. We're working".

We're heading towards the third game of the season and the team is still trying to figure out their offensive identity. Are they run first or primarily a passing attack? The answer from Flus is that the offense is figuring out what they do well, but it ultimately comes back to fundamentals.

It's only the second game in the season for the offense, but he believes that they've gotten better.

"In terms of rhythm, timing, passing, distributing the ball to the skill (players). Now we're working run game and all the things that come off of that..."

And before you ask about the staff or roster, Flus (without prompting) says he believes in the coaches, and the players, that they're both working to improve.

I'll leave you with this quote "Have a game you're not proud of, guess what? You come back and have a good game".

Quarterback - Caleb Williams

This may come as a surprise (or not) but Caleb said he's a little bruised up but feels good. His movement, throwing, and running around all felt good during today's walk-through. Maybe he's underselling it after taking 7 sacks and another 11 QB hits but you have to love the toughness. He did mention he had to get used to getting hit again as it had been since November 18, 2023, a 38-20 loss to UCLA.

Maybe the Titans didn't leave any lasting impression??

LET'S START WITH THE POSITIVE

"First and foremost, it's the communication coming out of the huddle." Facing a playoff-caliber team in their first home game of the year, with a noisy fanbase, can be daunting to the most seasoned QB. But Caleb thought the offense's ability to get the play in and called was a positive considering the environment.

Williams also emphasized the importance of the passing game's rhythm and his ability to release the ball quickly. To illustrate this point, on the Bears' opening drive, Williams started 5-for-5, making swift decisions and distributing the ball to multiple receivers. Unfortunately, this momentum came to an abrupt halt when he was sacked on 3rd and 9 from the Houston 25-yard line, forcing Cairo Santos to attempt a 53-yard field goal.

He also mentioned "two stupid mistakes" but I'm pretty sure you know what he was talking about and this section is focused on the positives.

GET (RUNNING GAME) WELL SOON

When asked about the one thing he thought would start to show progress and improvement, Williams called out the run game. He talked about the benefits of a robust running game and how doing "it effectively helps everything". Harkening back to Flus' comments earlier he talked about fundamentals and the team playing together.

Balanced football is always going to lead to a better offensive output. Caleb Williams led the team with 44 yards on five carries. The 3 backs that got carries, D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Travis Homer combined for 27 yards on 17 carries. A running back room averaging 1.59 yards per carry and facing multiple 3rd and long down and distance, allows the opposing defense to pin their ears back and go after the quarterback.

DEALING WITH PRESSURE

Williams isn't referring to the expectations Chicago Bears fans have placed on him. Instead, he faced significant pressure from the Texans' defense. What did he learn from this experience?

Firstly, communication. He's focusing more on communicating with both coaches and players. When asked about protection calls, Williams explained that he's always involved in communicating with the line alongside center Shelton Coleman. He also mentioned issues with incorrect cadence choices and changing the cadence when the play clock was running down.

Secondly, making faster adjustments. Williams identified this as the most crucial lesson from dealing with the constant pressure he faced during Sunday night's prime-time game. He emphasized that improvements come with time and utilizing more tools at his disposal to get the snap off in time and rhythm.

Despite the concerns expressed by fans, media, and the team, Williams seems to think it could have been worse. He left us with a thought-provoking statement:

"To be down 6 with a chance to go win, with the ball in your hands, it's all you can ask for."

Wide Receiver - DJ Moore

ONE PLAY AWAY

Moore was captured showing some frustration after a pass from Williams failed to find its target late in the 4th quarter. Media and fans alike called out DJ and wondered if his ire was targeted at Williams or the team. Social Media lip readers even claimed he told backup QB Tyson Bagent that he needed him. Insert facepalm here.

Contrary to what most assumed, Moore said that he didn't initially think much of his reaction and only addressed it when it blew up with the media. He mentioned any frustration doesn't carry over once the clock hits 0:00.

"Once it was over. It's over." The last thing he wants to do is have his feelings impact his rookie QB. He even went as far as to apologize, saying "Sorry Caleb. Nationally", half laughing it off.

COPY CAT LEAGUE

Moore is very aware that what the team has put on tap will only invite more blitzing. He acknowledged that when questioned about how all 11 players can help. "We gotta just be on it. Know our calls. Know our protection. Know when we are hot just to help Caleb out."

He's right. On Sunday, the Texans blitzed on 41.7 percent of Williams' dropbacks. That is the 8th highest rate in the NFL this season and the highest blitz rate under 2nd-year coach DeMeco Ryans. If they don't "nip it in the butt" as DJ so eloquently put it, the Bears are looking at a long season.

I'll leave you with one final quote, and a little hope for this week's matchup vs the 0-2 Indianapolis Colts. When asked about being successful with so many quarterbacks and how long it usually takes, DJ responded "probably two, three games in." So we've got that going for us, which is nice.

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