Waldron on OL competition, Williams ability to stick with progressions |
LAKE FOREST, I.L. - The starters, including rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, will be playing against the Buffalo Bills in Chicago’s upcoming preseason game on Sat. Aug. 10 (Noon / NFL Network).
However, it is unsure who will be starting on the offensive line in that game as they deal with injuries and the center competition. Nonetheless, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron feels the different offensive line combinations in training camp will be beneficial in the event of injuries, as they will have already developed chemistry and familiarity with Williams. “As the O-line has some different moving parts right now as we try different combinations, work with different things, I think that in the long run, will help us for the full season when you get that depth built up right there and then for Caleb, that allows him to take leadership roles with different guys that are in there, work on his communication with a different group, different centers, different guards that have rotated in, tackles and so, I think all that does is help us as a team build our communication whether it’s player-to-player with the quarterback to the o-line or vice versa, with the o-line to the quarterback, and that’s going to be so important as the season goes, especially when it comes to the protections (and) everything that we do and how we want to attack a defense,” Waldron said. “So, it’s been great for us, and it’ll be great down the road in the season.” Right guard Nate Davis, who has a history of various injuries, is once again dealing with injuries. This has opened up some competition at right guard with Ryan Bates, who is also part of the center competition, playing at the guard position. Bates has a history of playing guard during his time with the Bills from 2019 to 2023. “Competition is going to bring out the best in everybody, and I think every single competition that’s involved in training camp has its own individual timeline, and for us right now, because those guys are operating at such a high level at center and then Ryan’s been able to go in at the guard spot with Nate with a little bit of injuries right there, it’s been a smooth transition as far as the communication,” Waldron said. “So, (it) makes you feel confident that we can go ahead and keep (playing) the way we’re doing right (now) and then when that time is right, it will be right and we don’t have to set an exact time on it. It’s going to, obviously, (be) before that opening kickoff on the opening game. But, right now, I feel good about where we’re at and because of the professional level of those guys that are competing at those spots.” An underestimated aspect of the changes at the offensive line, and in the offense in general, is communication. Developing strong communication with everyone takes time. The changes at offensive line, in Waldron’s view, are fostering that there. However, communication is essential between everyone on the offense, and with so many new players and coaches, that is one thing Waldron was eager to develop and build during organized team activities (OTAs) and training camp. That is something that he feels has been accomplished and will be put to the test against Buffalo in a real game environment. “I think right now, with the level of communication from where it started in OTAs to where we’re at now in training camp, I think when you get a new group of some new coaches, some coaches that were here, and we’re figuring out everyone’s rhythm, figuring out our new players, the style of players, that communication and our operation, seeing the growth that it’s made every single day and being on pace for getting ready for that regular season opener is something that we’re proud of as a stuff and I know the players have put in a ton of work to get to the level we’re at right now,” Waldron said. So far, during training camp, Williams has shown many positive signs for a rookie quarterback. However, Buffalo offers a difficult introduction to the NFL for him. The game is in Buffalo, where the Bills have an incredibly strong fanbase who will show up in force, even for a preseason game. On the bright side, it will introduce Williams to a real game-day atmosphere. He will also be going against one of the NFL’s best passing defenses last season. “He’s been doing a good job reading with his feet, sticking within progressions, recognizing coverage structures,” Waldron said. “So, seeing all those things is what really gives you the confidence moving forward.”
