Press Coverage: Bears Coaches Reflect on Growth, Preview London Game vs. Jaguars

Welcome to Thursday's edition of "Press Coverage" from London, England. Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, and special teams coordinator Richard Hightower took the podium to discuss their units' growth and what they're focused on as they prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6 .

Here are the biggest takeaways from the media session at Hanbury Manor in London, England.

Eric Washington

To Blitz or Not To Blitz

It's fairly well known that the Cover-2 defense the Bears employ is predicated on generating pressure with the front four. Coaches like Matt Eberflus, Lovie Smith, and Eric Washington rarely want or like to blitz, but all realize it's good to use. They just have to get home.

Washington said the Bears' current front four has exceeded expectations and spoke about how the blitz fits into the scheme.

"We're excited about the production that we've gotten from it (blitzing)," he said, reiterating that the defense's foundation is their four-man rush with the hope that the blitz complements those base packages versus being dependent on it.

"It's just a matter of speed, of timing, of making sure that we can affect the game without having to deploy a fifth guy."

Washington was quick to point out that when they decide to send an extra man, they want it to have an "enormous" impact on the play, and he feels that that's happened so far this season.

He explained that building rush and blitz concepts starts in the offseason and is predicated on his players understanding the details — how they disguise coverages, what the matchups are, and what the team anticipates from opposing offenses on every down and distance.

"So all those things have to be factored in" and it "has to be impactful," he said.

Big Man Balling

One of general manager Ryan Poles' most underrated moves was initially inking defensive tackle Andrew Billings to a one-year prove-it deal and quickly re-signing him to a multi-year deal after his initial success. Washington seems to agree.

"He has the requisite quickness. I mean he's a big man. He's a powerful man," he said of Billings.

Washington acknowledged that the defense needs Billings to anchor the point of attack to plug up the middle, but he also spoke to his quickness and range.

"We ask our nose tackles to cover from their alignment to the sideline. We ask them to collapse the pocket. We ask them to help us to create population at the point of attack versus screen plays, and he can do all of those things."

That versatility has allowed Billings to shine on a defense full of talented players.

"His overall skill set, not just being a first and second down player but, being able to impact the game on all three downs," Washington said.

When asked how the Bears have used Billings differently than his prior teams, Washington pointed to what he asks of his player, something that most teams might not have done with the DT in the past — rushing the passer.

"I just know that in this system we need to get rush out of every person that's on on the defensive line and whatever that means for that player, we've got to find a way to get that out of them," Washington explained, crediting Billings for taking it upon himself to make those improvements in his game.

Engine of the Defense

With four sacks in his first five games and ranking in the top 10 of QB pressures and hits, Gervon Dexter Sr. has been garnering more attention. But Washington thinks it's more than just sacks.

"His overall energy and his understanding of the fine details of how to play defensive tackle, especially the three-technique position."

Washington also noted that Dexter has occasionally played the nose, lining up over the center, calling out that "his assignments have almost been flawless and so there's been no issues as far as him not being in a position to execute. That allows you to play extremely fast and when you can do that the production is soon to follow."

When asked if Dexter could sustain his red-hot pace to start the season, Washington wasn't concerned, lauding the second-year tackle's focus.

"I don't worry about him maintaining a certain disposition because he's such a professional person, especially in Year 2."

Washington believes Dexter, along with the rest of his defensive unit is well-positioned for each upcoming challenge.

"We have larger goals, not only for him individually but for our defense and for our team, and so we continue to stay focused on that and he really embodies that."

Shane Waldron

No Huddle

The Bears offense's recent leap in production can partially be traced to an increased use of no-huddle sets and more up-tempo play calling, not necessarily something put on most rookies' plates. With that, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was asked how his rookie has handled the added responsibility.

"I think whether it's a rookie or not, (it's) just different past experiences," Waldron explained, putting more onus on the player's experience with it in general versus their overall NFL experience. And Lincoln Riley's offense at USC, where Williams spent his last two seasons in college, is well known for running the no-huddle.

Waldron commended his rookie quarterback and the rest of the offense for executing the up-tempo style when different in-game situations to go no-huddle presented themselves.

"I think being able to mix and match different tempos on offense is always a good thing," he said, calling out that the Bears "feel like it creates an advantage."

Waldron added that Chicago's use of up-tempo could change week-to-week based on the opponent.

Run Bears Run

Waldron also addressed how the run game has affected the team's recent offensive success, pointing out that it starts up front with the offensive line. The unit has shown improvement recently, albeit against lesser defenses.

"Those guys have done a great job of sticking together," Waldron said when referencing the team's camaraderie during the lack of production through their first couple games. "I saw a group that really stuck together right there. Worked on communication. Worked on the details."

He then pointed to improvements in hitting blocks and getting "in phase with the runners," noting in true coach speak that it takes all 11 players on offense. Waldron also spoke about the line sticking with the process and trusting offensive line coach Chris Morgan.

"Morgan and Hoss (assistant offensive line coach Jason Houghtaling) have done a good job of leading the way right there, every single week, whether it's been a win or a loss, we're coming in on Monday and looking at ways to improve. I think those guys have stuck with that process and so the results will come when the process is right."

Waldron stressed the importance of a balanced attack, pointing out how the success in the run game helped lead to some of the explosive plays against the Carolina Panthers.

"Sticking with the run game, staying efficient, it's always going to allow our full offense to come to life."

Slow Start

Many Bears fans have wondered what was behind the offense's slow start. With a highly touted rookie quarterback in Williams, the triumvirate of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, tight ends Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett, and high-priced free agent running back D'Andre Swift, the offense was expected to hit the ground running.

Waldron's response focused on the little details that can trip up the most experienced teams.

"It's a pre-snap penalty stuff that's in our control or it's some of the negative plays that occurred those first couple weeks," he said.

Waldron added that when the Bears have avoided those instances, they've proven to be more efficient. Improvement from players and coaches working together has eliminated a lot of those plays, and the offense has been able to stay on schedule.

"I think the positive that I've come away with from that is we have so many good people, good players that really care about each other. So, if one guy maybe doesn't have a big play but his buddy is you see everybody celebrating."

It's that camaraderie that Waldron feels "alleviates the stress" of those early-season struggles. Hopefully they stay in the past.

Richard Hightower

Don't Sleep on Jacksonville

Many in the NFL world expected Jacksonville to be a playoff contender, especially with a healthy Trevor Lawrence and a wide-open AFC South behind the Houston Texans. But with a 1-4 start to the season, the Jaguars don't seem to have any bite. Is there something that special teams coordinator Richard Hightower is concerned with?

The coach spoke about his past experience with Jacksonville general manager Trent Blake in San Francisco.

"He (Balke) knows how to put together a roster. I see a roster that's comprised of really good specialists first and foremost."

Hightower pointed to kicker Cam Little, punter Logan Cooke, and Pro Bowl long snapper Ross Matiscikis, whom he referred to as the "best in the business."

"They got fast physical football teams so it's going to be a huge challenge for us for sure."

Unfamiliar Confines

Hightower pointed out that he's never participated or played in an international game, so the obvious question concerned scouting an unfamiliar stadium. He stood on the oft-used expression that it's not always what you know, but who you know.

"Fortunately a game was played there last week, obviously, Jets and Vikings. And I've worked with a lot of different people on those staffs so obviously we've reached out to them."

He also pointed out that his players have reached out to other players they know, further expanding the pool of knowledge. And finally, they Bears have pregame time to get on the field and see how it will impact his unit.

Missing in Action

The Velus Jones Jr. experience has had all the twists and turns one might experience in a career. Questionable draft position? Check. Concerns about college production and age? Check. Benching due to poor play? Check. Switching positions in his third year, late in the preseason? Check again.

I was among Bears fans who thought Jones might not make the roster. But after he displayed some electricity as a running back, and with good numbers in the kickoff return game, it seemed like it was time for the Ferret King's renaissance. A poorly fielded kickoff return in Week 1 may have ended all of that, but Hightower hasn't given up on Jones.

"Velus, you guys know is a great kid. Works his tail off. (I've) been impressed with him off the field in the meeting room. He's locked in. He's dialed in. He's been doing a really nice job at practice."

While the praise might lead one to believe Jones will be active on game day again soon, I'm not so sure. Hightower continued with the normal coach speak around a player who's struggled, citing his work with running backs coach Chad Morton and how head coach Matt Eberflus has been involved in getting the best out of the player.

"As long as we can to help him be the best player he can be, 'cause that's our job, we want to make sure that we can help him be his best."

The kid has talent, and speed to spare. Hopefully it all comes together soon.

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