GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 07: Wide receiver Michael Wilson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 21-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears Continued Internal Scuffles: A Good or Bad Sign?
The Chicago Bears have been going at it– among themselves these last few days. That could either be a good thing or a harbinger of bad things to come.
On Thursday, defensive end Montez Sweat apologized to quarterback Caleb Williams for stripping the ball from him during the 11-on-11 period, making contact with the rookie in a drill where contact was not allowed.
Despite his apology, Sweat would again make contact with Williams on Saturday, during a two-minute drill. The violation led to head coach Matt Eberflus ejecting Sweat from the practice field.
Montez Sweat Kicked Out
Chicago Bears
Montez Sweat will lead the way for the Chicago Bears’ defense in 2024.
“No. [Sweat] knows he should not do that. I threw him out of the drill today,” Eberflus told media. “Then I pulled him aside and said, ‘Look, you cannot do that. You’ll be sick if something happens.’ that’s what I told him.”
“Does he get around there fast? Yeah, he does,” Eberflus added. “But he’s a superior elite athlete. He’s good enough to be able to stop and move away, so he’s got to be disciplined that way in the future.”
Between the two Williams-Sweat incidents, there would be another practice field scuffle involving the blue chip quarterback prospect and overall no. 1 draft pick.
Caleb Williams Gets Into it
Chicago Bears Marcedes Lewis
May 10, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during a press conference before Chicago Bears rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
On Friday, Williams interjected himself into a fight between defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker and tight end Gerald Everett. Williams reportedly grabbed and shoved Walker during the dust-up.
For many, this was seen as a positive. It could be seen as Williams taking a leadership role on the team and throwing down for his offensive crew.
However, it could also be seen as a bit over the top and, ultimately, dangerous as the possibility of injury is very real in such scuffles.
The Bears’ new center/guard Ryan Bates sees both sides of the issue.
“That’s my quarterback,” Bates told media. “I love that. I love that mentality. He’s got to be smarter, though, because we can’t have that. God forbid anything happens. But I love when he stepped in there and got in the middle of it. That’s who he is. He’s a chippy guy. He wants to get in there. He wants to compete.”
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There’s nothing overtly unusual about tension in the first days of practice or about that tension boiling over into physical altercation. These are all alpha males with a warrior mindset gearing up for a season full of war. Anger will flare up as sides begin to get into fighting shape.
The Role of Chicago Bears HC Eberflus
May 31, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus speaks during organized team activities at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus speaks during organized team activities at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
It will be Coach Eberflus’ job to keep that tension and anger under control and focused on making everyone sharp while building a team-positive attitude in all. In the coming days and weeks, his focus will be on keeping that alpha male drive away from harmful field conduct.
Williams, meanwhile, also has to temper his heat and keep things focused on creating positive tension. If words are to be believed, the young future star seems well aware of that.
Ezoic
“Everything’s about the bond and the trust that you build between each other because then you go out there and your mentality’s different,” Williams told media last month. “Everything’s different when you’re out there playing for each other and not out there playing for yourself.
“Everyone’s treated with respect and love and care, but also pushing each other to be at our best. That’s where the connection comes from because you can’t build something pretty special at the end of the year without that bond, love and trust for your brothers.
“It was something that my high school coach really pushed us to be a part of and really believe in and trust. I’ve taken those with me; the little, small things, pieces that he’s given me, and I’ve tried to implement it in any way possible throughout my years of playing, being around my teammates, working hard, pushing each other.”
We’ll see how all this plays out in the coming days.
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