King of Cover Zero Blitz: Are the Bears and Caleb Williams prepared for Brian Flores and the Vikings defense?
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (WGN) — After showing promise in a heartbreaking loss to a divisional rival a week ago, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is about to face the Minnesota Vikings and Brian Flores’s blitz-happy defense for the first time.
Is he ready for the challenge?
“He’s the king of cover zero blitz and finding a bunch of different ways to do it,” Williams said of the Vikings defensive coordinator. “They’ll switch it up and just fly [Harrison Smith] out from two yards away from me, and fly him all the way back to the safety and things like that.
“So you know, us being decisive, us having a plan for all of that. And then from there, get the ball to your playmakers, run the ball well and efficiently.”
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Heading into Week 12, Minnesota has blitzed more often and at a higher rate on QB dropbacks than any other team in the NFL.
Per Pro Football Reference, Flores has sent the blitz 157 times (11 more times than the second place Broncos, despite Denver playing one more game) and blitzes on a blistering 37.7% of QB dropbacks, leading to pressuring QBs a league-high 29.6% of the time.
In his weekly Wednesday press conference, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said their offensive plan “is clean, it’s defined and we’re working through that process right now.”
If it mirrors the game plan interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown had against the Green Bay Packers in Week 11, Chicago’s M.O. should be the quick passing game.
Williams’ average time-to-throw in Week 11 was 2.77 seconds, his fastest of the season. Against the blitz, he went 8-for-10 with 87 yards on 12 dropbacks, earning a 94.5 offensive grade and a 92.0 passing grade from Pro Football Focus.
“[Williams] natural ability is to get the ball out fast,” Eberflus said. “Some players don’t have that ability, right? They take it, their release is slow, but his is very fast.”
Eberflus said recognition and identification pre-snap are other factors that have helped Williams beat the blitz, but when you combine the two with his quick release, it allowed him to consistently succeed under pressure last week.
Injury news and the return of familiar faces
D’Andre Swift was held out of practice with a groin injury Wednesday, while Teven Jenkins reappeared at practice in a limited fashion as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
“[D’Andre Swift] is out today, giving that another day of rest,” Eberflus said. “We’ll see where that goes as we work into tomorrow.”
Kiran Amegadjie (calf), Ryan Bates (concussion) and Elijah Hicks (ankle) rounded out the group of players held out of practice Wednesday.
Eberflus also announced Collin Johnson was signed and added to the 53-man roster, while safety Adrian Colbert was officially signed to the practice squad.
Up Next
The Chicago Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field Sunday, with kickoff set for noon CT.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears face a significant challenge in the form of Brian Flores and the Minnesota Vikings’ blitz-happy defense. However, Williams’ quick release and ability to identify and adjust to the blitz have been a key factor in his success so far this season. With a solid game plan and recognition of the Vikings’ defensive scheme, the Bears may be able to overcome the challenge and come out on top.
FAQs
Q: How often has the Vikings defense blitzed this season?
A: According to Pro Football Reference, the Vikings defense has blitzed 157 times, which is the most in the NFL this season.
Q: How has Caleb Williams performed against the blitz this season?
A: Williams has gone 8-for-10 with 87 yards on 12 dropbacks against the blitz, earning a 94.5 offensive grade and a 92.0 passing grade from Pro Football Focus.
Q: What is the key to the Bears’ success against the Vikings’ defense?
A: The key to the Bears’ success will be their ability to recognize and adjust to the Vikings’ defensive scheme, combined with Williams’ quick release and ability to get the ball out fast.
