Windy City Gridiron
Yeah, I know, I’m really late on the Sackwatch this week. I usually publish it on Wednesdays, but with the game on Monday night, our usual postgame coverage was condensed. I also had a busy week at the real job, so I just kicked Sackwatch down the road. I know the dozens and dozens of our loyal readers would eventually find it here on Saturday afternoon!
Next week, I’ll be back on Wednesday, as long as we don’t have a repeat of last year’s week two game…
Last season, the Chicago Bears set a franchise record by allowing 68 sacks, all taken by Caleb Williams, but it could have been worse, like way worse. One football analytics site had Caleb down for avoiding 50 sacks, which was the most they charted for anyone last season. For more on last year’s sacks allowed and where it fits in the history of the franchise, you can click here.
Caleb’s escapability was on display against the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 1 contest, as he took only two sacks and was hit three times.
That escapability was highlighted even more if you look at what Pro Football Focus had for pressures allowed by his offensive line. Right tackle Darnell Wright pitched a shutout, allowing none, but center Drew Dalman and left guard Joe Thuney had four pressures allowed, right guard Jonah Jackson had five, and left tackle Braxton Jones allowed six pressures per PFF. And Williams? They had him responsible for two of the 20 total pressures he faced from Minnesota.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty!
Sack 1 – 4th Quarter 12:09 – Javon Hargrave
This was Chicago’s first possession after their 50-yard field goal miss, and immediately following Minnesota’s touchdown and two-point conversion, so momentum was squarely in the Vikings’ favor. The last thing the Bears needed was a negative play.
Caleb wanted to hit DJ Moore on an out route after he went in motion, but the Vikes had sticky coverage. Before he could work to his second progression, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave was in his face.
Center Drew Dalman didn’t stay square to the line, and as his shoulders turned, the door opened for the two-time Pro Bowler, Hargrave, to sneak through.
He may have felt a stunt coming and tried to pass him off to his right guard, Jonah Jackson, but regardless, he turned with Hargrave and wasn’t in a good position. If Dalman squeezes the gap, he could anchor and force Hargrave to work through him, or be squared up and ready for a stunt.
This one is on Chicago’s new center.
Sack 2 – 4th Quarter 8:24 – Javon Hargrave
Ben Johnson calls a play action, and Williams felt some early pressure up the middle. Had the pass pro held a tick longer, he’d have been able to get through a couple progressions, but he scrmbled right with his eyes up to find a target.
No one open as he ran to the sideline. He...
