LAKE FOREST, Illinois — Chicago Bears left lineman Braxton Jones failed to score on a 39-yard run against the Green Bay Packers. D’Andre Swift, a running back, did. Making a pancake block, as Jones did on safety Evan Williams is his way of scoring.
“As an O-lineman, that’s kind of what we live for is seeing our skill guys succeed in space and that’s kind of how I find my excitement,” Jones told the crowd. “It’s amazing to see — and that’s my touchdown.”
The touchdown was one of new offensive coordinator Thomas Brown’s best plays. It was a pin-and-pull run from a tight trip configuration to the left.
Tight end Cole Kmet and receiver Rome Odunze pinned the defensive end and linebacker with their outside leverage, while Keenan Allen and Jones moved to the outside. Allen blocked cornerback Carrington Valentine before Jones threw Williams on his back.
“His (block) is as important as mine,” Jones remarked.
Swift moved into the open field against safety Xavier McKinney, and he danced around him on his way to the end zone.
“Obviously, it’s a (defensive back), but it’s still a shot to make D’Andre in open space and give him time to get a touchdown there,” Jones said of the tackle. “It’s the execution of a play, and seeing it come to life is the most exciting part for me. I enjoy being in the open area and creating space blocks. I believe that is one of my talents.”
Playing to a player’s strengths is another hallmark of an effective playcaller. From quarterback Caleb Williams to Kmet to Odunze to Jones, Brown accomplished everything, beginning with game planning, scripting, and installation and continuing through Sunday.
“The way the game was going, TB did a good job of just calling it,” receiver DJ Moore explained.
The Bears lost to the Packers again, but offensive players agreed that Brown’s first game as offensive coordinator was a positive step for a group that needed and desired change.
“It felt like a turning point during the week for us,” Kmet told reporters. “I was quite pleased with the plan when it arrived. Credit to TB for getting things together and asking a little more of everyone this week, and I believe it showed on the field.
“I thought his commitment to the run game was fantastic to watch, and using Caleb and his legs, as well as being able to do some play-action things downfield, was all very excellent. I also think Caleb did an excellent job. “Those two did an excellent job of stepping up this week, and I believe it showed on the field.”
It’s too early to say whether the Brown-Williams partnership will last. Following Sunday’s game, the Minnesota Vikings and defensive coordinator Brian Flores will have game film to review. The Vikings’ blitz-happy defense ranks among the top five in the NFL for sacks, quarterback hits, opposing quarterback passer rating, and scoring.
However, Brown still has room to improve the Bears’ offense
His first game marked an obvious return to his Sean McVay system beginnings. The Bears switched to more tight formations, including the one that set up Swift for his touchdown. Brown’s game strategy called for more fast throws. The Bears also used pre-snap motion, which is widely regarded as a plus in the locker room, on the majority of their plays.
“They get people displaced for runs and lanes and blocking assignments or if it’s in the passing game … sometimes it gives you leverage,” Williams told ESPN. “Then it occasionally confuses people’s vision and safety, allowing them to hit bombs. To be able to acquire easy-access throws with (defensive backs) backing off, once you get a motion going their way — whether it’s a rapid motion or a slow motion — they’ll back off, and (receivers) will have free access for 5 yards, maybe more, with the type of guys we have. So those motions benefit us.”
- “Brown had Williams under center on early downs 36 percent of the time, a season-high and twice the Bears’ rate for the season.”
- “Moore set a season-high with 56 yards after the catch, including two receptions with 15-plus YAC, double Moore’s previous season total.”
- “Williams set season highs for designed rushes (four), scrambles (five), and combined rushes/scrambles (nine).”
After the game, players remarked that Brown ran the offense faster than Shane Waldron did in nine games. Coach Matt Eberflus also saw that as a positive.
“I do like the tempo in which we operated in terms of play caller to the quarterback, quarterback to the offense, getting on the line of scrimmage,” Eberflus told the media Monday. “That was far better in terms of both energy and timing. That will be beneficial in the future as well.”
The next level is to score more than 19 points. Williams has not thrown a touchdown pass in over a month. But Brown’s energy as the offense’s new architect appears to be more than just a one-game boost.
“Early in the week, he came in (and) told us we’ve got to be on our details,” Jones told me. “It begins with us. It starts with energy. It begins with Wednesday practice, then moves on to Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
“That’s how he started, and that’s what I did.” Coming back from an injury, trying to contribute where I could, paying attention to details, and doing my best. And I believe every player — all 11 — took that seriously.
