Which Chicago Bears laid duds in Week 12 vs. Jets
Chicago Bears Week 12 Dud No. 3: Alan Williams
There has been a lot wrong with the defense this year. The Bears have one of the worst defenses statistically and in terms of sheer talent level. Their only “elite” player was traded midseason and their only serviceable pass rusher was also dealt. Asking Alan Williams to find success with no pass rush, a depleted linebacker core, and a secondary that struggles to cover is not an easy ask. Still, at some point, there has to be some blame put on Williams, and some should also go on Eberflus.
Williams came over from Indianapolis where he was their linebackers coach. He built up a good reputation after his work with guys like Shaquille Leonard, Bobby Okereke, and Anthony Walker Jr. Now, in a new role, he is struggling to find the same success. The player development under his system has not been consistent. We have seen guys like Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon start to emerge lately, but other guys, such as Jaylon Johnson and Trevis Gipson have struggled to find success.
Some of that can be blamed on their underperforming seasons so far, but it seems that Williams has not been able to consistently put the defense in the best position to win. The adjustments are being made but they are not always the right ones. This game against the Jets was a great example because the problems in the first half did not get fixed in the second half. To make it worse, the run defense was great in the first half then fell apart in the later parts of the game.
It will be interesting to see if the Chicago Bears continue with Williams as the defensive coordinator next season to give him a shot to work with more talent or if they want a new defensive play caller with most likely a new-look defense.
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The Chicago Bears team is in shambles. Even when Justin Fields is playing there are so many question marks on both sides of the ball that a game like this should not come as a surprise. This was a really ugly game for the offense and defense and reminds the fans what type of year this is for the Bears.