Bears’ Roy Williams enjoys downfield blocking
By Mark Potash mpotash@suntimes.com September 12, 2011 11:22PM
New Orleans Saints v Green Bay Packers
Updated: November 26, 2011 12:28AM
Roy Williams surprised some people when he said he enjoys downfield blocking. But he proved Sunday he meant it.
Williams helped spring Devin Hester on his 53-yard reception on a screen pass in the Bears’ 30-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Soldier Field. And he wasn’t alone. Johnny Knox made a key block on Matt Forte’s 56-yard touchdown reception.
‘‘That’s big in this game,’’ Williams said. ‘‘We’re going to be playing in the snow and those games where we can’t throw the ball and we have to run. You have to make those blocks.’’
Better downfield blocking is a big reason the Bears had six plays of 23 yards or more against the Falcons.
‘‘I’ve always loved to block,’’ Williams said. ‘‘I’m a football player. I think I’m pretty smart when it comes to football and I know you have to run in this league if you want to win. We have to keep [Brian] Urlacher and [Lance] Briggs on the sidelines and let them get rested up.’’
Kreutz reunion
Several Bears are looking forward to facing former teammate and captain Olin Kreutz when the Bears play the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans on Sunday. Kreutz is starting at center for the Saints after he and the Bears could not agree on a contract last month.
‘‘It’s been weird,’’ said Bears center Roberto Garza, who played next to Kreutz at right guard the previous six seasons. ‘‘We got a chance to watch a couple of games with him out there. It’s still Olin, flying around, hitting people. It’s a little weird to see him in that No. 50. But that’s the NFL, I guess.’’
Quiet giant
While most of the Bears’ playmakers had big games against the Falcons — Urlacher, Julius Peppers, Jay Cutler, Charles Tillman — linebacker Briggs was credited with only three tackles. In last year’s opener, Briggs had 16 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery against the Lions.
‘‘Lance played a good football game,’’ Bears coach Lovie Smith said. ‘‘He didn’t have the type of game that Brian Urlacher did — he didn’t have those opportunities — but he was physical.
‘‘There are only so many impact plays to be made in each game. This week, Lance may have a couple of touchdowns — you never know. He’s that type of player.’’
Coat drive
Bears equipment manager Tony Medlin announced the kickoff of the 23rd annual Chicago Bears/Jewel-Osco Coat Drive on Monday. New and gently used coats can be dropped off at Chicago-area Jewel-Osco stores through Dec. 4. The coat drive benefits The Salvation Army and public schools in the Chicago area. Further information is available at www.chicagobears.com/community.
