Darnell Wright has had what is described by most as an “up and down” training camp for the Chicago Bears. He’s had instances of showcasing his outstanding mixture of size, athleticism, and power. He would shut pass rushers down and blow open running lanes. Then there were times he’d get beat for a sack, struggling to handle more veteran pass rushers. Over the past few practices, one of the more persistent issues is his tendency to commit false starts. Pre-snap penalties are always a bigger risk with rookies. That is why offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has made it his mission to stress Wright in different ways.
Two of them have been prevalent recently. Getsy explained that he’s been telling Justin Fields to vary his cadences. This is a great way to keep the defense off balance, making it difficult to time when the ball is snapped. However, it is also a challenge for young offensive linemen who aren’t used to it, like Wright. There is also the need to do silent cadences when the Bears play in loud, hostile stadiums.
On top of that, the Bears have also increased their work in on-the-ball situations. Fans know it as no-huddle. This, too, is challenging for rookies because it forces them to think quickly.
Luke Getsy knows these mistakes are necessary for Wright.
The rookie needs to make them now in training camp. There are no consequences for them. It helps the right tackle learn what not to do, preparing him for when the games start mattering next month. Getsy made it clear Wright has showcased an excellent tendency never to make the same mistake twice. That means each penalty has come for a different reason. Everything is by design. Getsy knows the more he stresses the young tackle now, the fewer errors he’s likely to have during the regular season.
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It goes for the rest of the young guys on offense too, be it Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Tyler Scott, or Roschon Johnson. There will be situations where the Bears need to go no-huddle or use a silent cadence. It’s only logical a team should prepare for every situation they’re likely to see. Preparation is half the battle in the NFL. Luke Getsy has the utmost confidence Wright will keep improving. Rookies always go through growing pains, especially at offensive tackle. It’s a matter of staying patient and letting him develop.
