Chicago Bears 2022 season in review: Grading the coaches

Defensive coordinator — Alan Williams

Eberflus brought Alan Williams over from Indianapolis. Williams had been in the NFL for 21 seasons before becoming the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator.

Williams was the Colts’ defensive backs coach when Eberflus came calling. Having Williams as the defensive coordinator ensured that Eberflus’ defensive philosophy would continue in Chicago.

Williams had to help the players transition from their 3-4 base defensive scheme to a 4-3. That move proved to be a little more difficult than anyone first thought. Having Robert Quinn and Trevis Gipson move to defensive ends rather than edge-rushing linebackers didn’t go as planned.

Without the proper players in place, the Bears’ front seven really struggled. The Bears finished last in sacks and 31st in quarterback pressure percentage.

There were times in games when Williams had a hard time adjusting to what was happening. For example. against the New York Giants, Daniel Jones was killing the defense with the bootleg. He kept getting big yards, either by running it or finding an open receiver. It wasn’t until the middle of the third quarter that the defense performed better on that one play.

While the defense struggled, the unit still had its moments. While the overall defense struggled, finishing last in points allowed, they went from ranking 26th in turnovers in 2021 to 14th this season. Against the pass, they went from ranking 26th in passing touchdowns allowed to 10th.

Yes, this defense struggled. However, the unit didn’t have many of the players needed to succeed. Remember, Vic Fangio’s defense also struggled early on in his tenure in Chicago before it dominated. Grade: C-