The Chicago Bears offense had a challenging second day of padded practice. During 7-on-7 drills, Caleb Williams threw two interceptions, and he wasn’t the only one struggling. The defense was consistently ahead, especially on the front lines. Montez Sweat continued to dominate team drills, while Gervon Dexter and DeMarcus Walker also caused disruptions. However, the biggest issue for the offense on Saturday came from defensive tackle Andrew Billings.
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The problem wasn’t what most expected. The offense faced persistent pre-snap penalties, particularly false starts. Part of this was due to Williams’ unfamiliarity with various cadences, but Billings also played a significant role. Reports indicate that Billings has a habit of shouting “Move!” right before the snap, confusing the Bears’ offensive line and causing premature jumps. The offense struggled to find a solution for this tactic.
Billings’ vocal tactic proved to be a major issue for the offense, leading to multiple false starts. Despite fans’ frustrations with the offense’s lack of rhythm, this challenge is beneficial in the long run. Head coach Matt Eberflus emphasized the importance of focus and finishing strong. The Bears’ ongoing uncertainty along the interior offensive line, with rotating centers Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton, and Nate Davis missing practice due to an undisclosed injury, complicates matters further.
Now that Billings has discovered this effective tactic, he will likely continue using it until the offense learns to cope. This practice is crucial for their development. Eberflus highlighted that training camp is the time for such learning experiences. The Bears’ offense is adapting to a new scheme, and while it will take time to gel, they must address these issues to protect Williams and improve overall performance.
