The Bears allowed three sacks to the Browns, but they had a sound pass-protection plan, and @wiltfongjr breaks it down here.
The Chicago Bears gave up their most sacks in two months when the Cleveland Browns got to Caleb Williams three times, and they’re up to 23 sacks allowed this season. That’s the fewest through 14 games since I started this series, and with a 4.7 sack percentage, the Bears are the seventh-least sacked team in the NFL. Last season, Williams was sacked 4 times per game, but this year it’s just 1.6.
Caleb is clearly more comfortable in the pocket, and while part of the improvement is definitely on the revamped offensive line, Ben Johnson’s offense is a big part as well.
Before I get into the sacks, here are a few things the Bears did to try to slow down Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Chicago kept chip help on the edges quite a bit for maximum protection. They’d check if pressure was coming, then release as a check-down option. On this play, the Bears were in a condensed diamond formation, with a tailback and two tight ends in the backfield. It was a play action where both tight ends helped on the edge before releasing, and the running back stayed in to help. Caleb had time, and he delivered a strike to Luther Burden III in the middle of the field.
This is the Colston Loveland block that has been making the rounds on social media. Garrett was lined up in a wide nine technique, so the Bears put Loveland just outside him with a clear directive.
This next clip from long-time NFL offensive lineman A.Q. Shipley explains why Loveland’s block was so effective.
This next play was my favorite of the game (at the time). The Browns dropped a defensive lineman into coverage while blitzing off both edges. Chicago’s running back went right, so Caleb was responsible for the blitzer off his left side. He knew he had to get the ball out fast, and he knew he’d probably get hit. Loveland was his hot read, and he made a fantastic catch.
Now on to the sacks…
Sack 21 – 2nd Quarter 5:38 – Myles Garrett
This sack didn’t bother me because it was a third down, the Bears were in field goal range, and Williams didn’t want to force anything. Cairo Santos missed the field goal, but taking the sack was the right decision.
Garrett was chipped, but he still got around left tackle Ozzy Trapilo with little effort. You’d like to see Ozzy hold up a little longer or push Garrett past the pocket, but the quick shake to the inside by Garrett was all he needed to get around Trapilo. Caleb started to throw the left to right underneath crosser, but there was a Cleveland defensive back set up in zone, so he pulled it back. This was good coverage by the Browns, but I got to ding the rookie left tackle here.
Sack 22 – 3rd Quarter 12:20 – A.Wright
This was a fourth-and-three from the Cleveland 46, with the Bears leading 14 to 0. I’m sure they felt in control of the game, which is why they went for it, but it’s still not a big enough lead for Williams to want to force anything if it’s not completely there, but…
Look at Cole Kmet sneaking out into the right flat after his chip. Williams likely felt the pressure from his left and didn’t want to cock his arm to throw with Garrett bearing down, but I think he had time, and Kmet had his head around and was ready. This one is on Caleb.
Sack 23 – 4th Quarter 12:43 – Shelby Harris and Myles Garrett
The Bears were up 28 to 3 at this point, and this was a third and 15, so I’d rather not see Williams taking an unnecessary shot. Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (#93) got quick pressure up the middle, Williams tried to evade and didn’t see a clear lane, and then was sacked by Harris and Garrett, who beat Trapilo around the edge again.
Harris split the Bears right a-gap and got past Jonah Jackson, so I’m splitting this sack allowed between Jackson and Trapilo.
After the game, the future Hall of Famer took some time to acknowledge Chicago’s rookie.
Here’s the Sackwatch tally after fourteen games
Caleb Williams – 8
Sacks Happen – 3.5
Braxton Jones – 2
Drew Dalman – 2
Ozzy Trapillo – 2
Jonah Jackson – 2.5
Theo Benedet – 1.5
Darnell Wright – 1.5
As I’ve often said, the breakdowns are based on my best guesses about each play. Only the Bears know the specifics and where the blame truly lies for each sack allowed.
Historical Sackwatch after fourteen games.
2010 – 48 Martz
2011 – 42 Martz
2012 – 42 Tice
2013 – 24 Trestman
2014 – 37 Trestman
2015 – 28 Gase
2016 – 24 Loggains
2017 – 33 Loggains
2018 – 30 Nagy
2019 – 38 Nagy
2020 – 34 Nagy
2021 – 45 Nagy/Lazor
2022 – 48 Getsy
2023 – 41 Getsy
2024 – 58 Total (Waldron 38 in 9 games / Brown 20 in 5 games)
2025 – 23 Johnson
Thanks to all of you guys who check out Sackwatch each week!
Category: General Sports
