Coaching can be complicated in many ways. However, most great ones will say that it all comes down to motivation. If you give players a good game plan and motivate them, the results will almost always be positive. One way head coach Matt Eberflus loved to do this with his players during his time in Indianapolis was with a reward system. Whenever somebody forced a turnover, they would earn a “Ballhawks” T-shirt. It seemed to work as the Colts’ defense became proficient at taking the ball away. Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams has taken up a similar style.
Cameras followed him during a film review with the defense on 1920 Football Drive. Williams talked about the importance of resetting the line of scrimmage and being more physical than the opponent. He then showcased several plays that illustrated good things the Bears defenders were doing in practice. Then he pulled out prizes for certain guys that did well.
- Rasheem Green received a gold brick for setting the edge against the run.
- T.J. Edwards received a gold boxing glove for being a “hitman,” setting the tone with physicality.
- Noah Sewel received a gold football for always being around the football and forcing a takeaway.
Alan Williams understands the importance of incentives.
Obviously, it’s impossible for him to pay players actual money for accomplishments. Teams have done that in the past and gotten punished severely for it. This approach is the next best thing. They may seem like simple trinkets, but they also carry a degree of prestige. As players begin collecting them throughout a season, it becomes more apparent who is doing his job more than others. That creates a sense of competition within the locker room. Nobody wants to look bad with no brick, glove, or football in their possession. So, guys work harder to get them.
Soon, all 11 defenders are flying to the ball, trying to make big plays. Who does so won’t matter. It all benefits the Bears in the end. Alan Williams is right to take this approach. He wants his players to know he’s always watching them. They will be lectured when they make mistakes, but they’ll also be rewarded when they have successes. It creates a sense of fairness that players will appreciate. It will be interesting to see how things develop in an important second season.
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