For as much talk as there has been about the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers entering a new chapter this season, many of the key pieces were around for its last chapter.
Two of those pieces are wide receivers Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson.
Both players battled injuries in practice this week. Watson has been ruled out while Doubs is questionable to suit up on Sunday. But Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams spoke to the media after Thursday’s practice and spoke about the challenges both players present.
“They’re going to do things to help the quarterback out, which is get them the ball in space, they’re going to try to have good protection and get the ball deep down the field,” Williams said. “And then, they’ll try to throw some screens again to get the get the ball in their hands so that they can be athletes.”
Bears DC Alan Williams: Packers Will ‘Help the Quarterback Out’
Alan Williams to Bears: Tackle, Cover, Hit
The Packers could lean on their proven rushing attack with a banged-up wide receiver corps and an unproven quarterback under center in Jordan Love but the mission statement remains.
“We gotta tackle, we gotta cover, we gotta hit,” Williams said.
Christian Watson (hamstring) was in a jersey, did some light stretching and jogging but did not go outside with the rest of the team.
David Bakhtiari present but not practicing. So looks like he’ll play without any full reps the last 2 weeks.
Romeo Doubs (hamstring) was a go. pic.twitter.com/vfWnMsX5pt
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) September 8, 2023
“They’re going to be fast, they’re going to stretch the field, they’re gonna be good after the catch, they’re gonna try to get the ball in their hands, and let them run,” Williams said.
Former Teammate Weighs In on Packers’ Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson
Williams was not the only one to weigh in on Doubs and Watson, with former Packers tight end Robert Tonyan also chiming in. Tonyan signed with the Bears in free agency after five seasons in Green Bay.
“They’re young, two talented guys,” Tonyan said. “Both fast. Both good athletes. I got to see both of them at different times – each of them was the starter when [the other was] hurt. So, to see them together, yeah, we’re going to see. We’re going to see that young offense. And I’m excited to kinda just see this matchup; their offense and our defense.”
The Bears spent heavily to revamp their defense this offseason, particularly the front seven.
“We got a lot of talented guys, and guys flying around. And I know a lot of those guys so it will just be fun to see.”
Robert Tonyan Gets Honest About Packers’ Defense
“They got good players,” Tonyan said. “They got a great D-line, they got great linebackers and DBs that make plays. So, [they‘ve] got good players, got a good defensive coordination in Joe Barry. So, I mean, they’re just well put together.
The Packers return seven of 11 starters from last season’s opener.
“Obviously, that’s where they put their money. … They’ve played a while together too so they’ve got good chemistry. So we’ll see how the whole game plays out.”