Five things on the Bears: Who's stepping up, Williams' blitz philosophy and more
Throughout the first week and a half of Bears training camp there's probably been too much emphasis on how Justin Fields and the offense is performing.
So after hearing defensive coordinator Alan Williams speak after Sunday's practice, this is the perfect time to focus on the other side of the ball.
Here are five things that stood out from Williams' 13-minute session with the media:
Standout LBs
The Bears remain without Roquan Smith, who is officially on the physically unable to perform list with an undisclosed injury but is also trying to negotiate a lucrative contract extension. The situation obviously isn't ideal from a chemistry standpoint, but it has provided a golden opportunity for others to step up.
Williams has been most impressed with Matt Adams and Joe Thomas, both of whom signed as free agents.
Thomas is a seven-year veteran who played three seasons with the Packers (2015-17) and three with the Cowboys (2018-20) before seeing spot duty with the Texans and Ravens in 2021. Adams spent his first four seasons with the Colts.
"(They) are pushing for playing time," Williams said. "Matt understands the defense, plays with high tempo.
"Thomas stands out because he's leading the group in turnovers. We keep track of interceptions, balls knocked out, scoop and scores. He's leading the group."
One of the biggest reasons Adams signed with the Bears is his faith in coach Matt Eberflus.
"I believe in hard work," said Adams, a seventh-round pick whose career high in tackles is just 33. "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. (I came here) just knowing the type of guy he is. He's big on faith and I believe in him."
Standout CBs
Jaylon Jones and DeAndre Houston-Carson have filled in nicely with rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon nursing a minor injury.
Jones, who earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2016 with Ole Miss, was signed as an undrafted free agent. Jones' collegiate career hit several road blocks due to injury, but he's an intriguing option in the secondary.
Williams loves how Jones understands what play is coming based on the situation and how the RB is set in a certain formation.
"He's a pro. He knows how to play football," Williams said. "Some guys - and, don't take this the wrong way - go out there and ... do exactly what the coaches told them to. They're reading their keys. They're getting lined up. They're executing.
"Justin takes it a little bit further. ... He's gone from 101 to 202 and even a higher level."
Kudos all around
As soon as Matt Eberflus was named head coach, he instituted a HITS philosophy. The acronym stands for "hustle," "intensity," "take-aways and take care of the football," and "smart, situational football."
The Bears seem to have embraced this, and it has Williams excited for what's to come.
"When guys have good attitudes, the chemistry is faster," Williams said. "And that's a big deal when you're gelling as a defense. (Saturday) was a little bit (longer) of a practice and guys (still) had great attitudes.
They came in, they weren't cussin', fussin' (and) making excuses about their legs - which sometimes can happen. That's a good sign in terms of the dividends that will pay off."
Blitz philosophy
Buddy Ryan was in charge of one of the most dominant defenses in the history of the NFL in the mid 1980s. The 46 confused and overwhelmed offenses by often sending two, three or even four extra rushers at the quarterback.
Recent Bears defenses have certainly been successful without a heavy blitz scheme, but Williams believes they absolutely must be used at times.
"Some games it may be 10%, 20%," Williams said. "Other games it may be higher if it dictates that's how we need to win ballgames. ...
"The coaches in this league do such a great job of scouting you, preparing for you. When you make them play left handed, that's always a good thing."
Listen up!
One thing we learned Sunday is that Williams listens to other Bears' interviews with the media. The reason? He simply loves to learn.
"It may be how well a guy speaks," Williams said. "My kids are on me about how many 'ums' and 'ahs' I say in these (news conferences). I look at that. I look at the pulse of the team, the attitude of the team. I can get that from players. ...
"If I can learn something from one of our players, our coaches, our GMs, I'll take it because the difference (between winning and losing) in the NFL is that much (he puts fingers an inch apart).
"So if I can improve myself that much each day from listening to them ... that means I'm coaching better and our guys get better and ultimately our team gets better."