Preparing for a dynamic quarterback is never easy, and Dan Campbell made that clear when talking about the Detroit Lions’ approach to defending Chicago Bears rookie Caleb Williams. On Friday, Campbell explained how his team used backup quarterback Kyle Allen to mimic Williams’ dual-threat ability during practice.
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The Challenge of Running QBs
Campbell didn’t sugarcoat just how difficult it is to defend quarterbacks who can make plays with their legs.
“I know this, running quarterbacks are hard,” Campbell said as quoted by A to Z. “They’re hard to defend, and it’s like, somebody tells you that, ‘We don’t handle running quarterbacks very well.’ Well, tell me the team that does. … When you’re trying to deal with (Ravens QB) Lamar (Jackson) and … (Bills QB) Josh Allen, there are a lot of teams that struggle against those guys. They’re not easy to stop, and there’s a reason for that.”
In other words, Detroit knows they won’t completely shut down Williams, they just need to contain him enough to stay in control.
Balancing Aggression with Discipline
The Lions’ head coach pointed out the tricky balance defenders face against mobile quarterbacks. Too much aggression leaves escape lanes open, while being too conservative gives the QB all day to throw.
“…He’s so dangerous when he gets out of the pocket, and so if you’re not careful, you’ll paralyze your guys. You’ll just stand there, right, and now he buys time in the pocket. And then if you just rip and roar and you’re gone, and you open lanes up while he’s going there too. So there is a fine balance we’ve tried to emphasize that.”
That balance will be key when Williams brings his improvisational style into Ford Field on Sunday.
Kyle Allen as Caleb Williams (Sort Of)
To get ready, Campbell turned to veteran quarterback Kyle Allen, asking him to extend plays and scramble in practice.
“I thought our guys did a really good job yesterday. Kyle Allen gave us some looks, some really good looks, a lot of scramble looks, just, you know, working it and trying to simulate him as much as possible.”
The Bottom Line
Caleb Williams may already be one of the toughest quarterbacks to defend in the NFL, and Dan Campbell knows it. By leaning on Kyle Allen to simulate his mobility, the Lions are doing everything possible to prepare for the Bears’ rookie.
Come Sunday, the real test will be whether Detroit’s defense can apply those practice reps under the bright lights of Ford Field.