3 things we heard from the team coordinators

Chicago Bears coordinators spoke to reporters Tuesday at Halas Hall after preparing for Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

As the Bears quickly turn things around after Sunday’s overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings, here are three things we heard.

1. Defensive coordinator Eric Washington felt the pass rush was “more effective” on Sunday.

The Bears sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold three times and recorded nine quarterback hits in the 30-27 loss, an improvement over recent performances. The Bears had just one sack in each of Weeks 10 and 11.

Washington praised defensive end Montez Sweat, who had a sack, two quarterback hits and two tackles for a loss, saying he “really felt” Sweat’s impact. It was the first sack since October 27 for Sweat, who is dealing with shin and ankle problems.

Of course, the Bears still need more from their star, whom they signed last year to a four-year, $98 million deal.

“He played extremely hard,” Washington said. “Came within inches of getting the ball away from the quarterback in overtime.

“And we folded the bag. Did a better job with it. Didn’t give the quarterback much extra time to make off-season throws or escape the pocket. And I think we have even more to offer with this group.”

DeMarcus Walker and Jacob Martin also had sacks.

Last week, Washington said the Bears wanted Sweat to reset from a fundamental standpoint to get back on track, and he said he saw that work pay off on Sunday.

“Not just with his exit, but also with his rush angles,” Washington said. “Those things are tighter, which puts pressure on the defense and gives him a chance to counter and do some things to the point of helping the inside rushers.”

“He took responsibility and took it to heart, especially when we assessed him and the entire crew. He knows we need him to do special things and he’s really committed.”

The challenge for the pass rush this week, according to Washington, is facing an experienced Lions offensive line and an offense that helps quarterback Jared Goff get rid of the ball quickly.

“The passing game is really controlled,” he said. “They push him around the field a little bit, but they do a great job of taking the football out of his hands so he doesn’t have to hold it for a long period of time.”

2. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown praised Caleb Williams for playing “without fear.”

Brown talked about his “no fear” philosophy against the Vikings’ defense last week and he thought Williams came through as he threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers.

“It was obvious he wasn’t afraid at all, and that’s exactly how we want him to play,” Brown said. “I think about being aggressive and taking calculated risks. So being aggressive doesn’t mean being ruthless. They are two different things.

“So don’t put the ball in play. He took really good care of the football. Obviously you make some tight throws, which is why you get picked No. 1 overall to make those big plays.”

Week 12 Photos: Minnesota Vikings 30, Chicago Bears 27 (OT)

Brown was also impressed with Williams’ performance in the fourth quarter, when he helped the Bears score 17 points before failing in overtime, which included a sack and a delay-of-game penalty.

“When it comes to the end of the game, the halftime, he had a great performance, which I think sometimes goes unnoticed because of the result I get,” Brown said. “But this is a rookie quarterback that I don’t think has even scratched the surface of how good he can be.

“And it’s my job, my focus, to continue to try to find ways to make it as good as possible. Hold him responsible, but also the entire group.”

Williams’ job will remain challenging this week, albeit in different ways. The Lions have 14 interceptions this season – third in the league – led by safety Kerby Joseph with seven. They also have the best third-down defense and the second-best in the red zone.

Brown called the Lions’ defense a “violent” and “offensive” group.

3. Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower praised Darnell Wright for stepping into the field goal protection unit after the Vikings’ block.

After Cairo Santos blocked his second straight field goal on Sunday – the first being the potential game-winner against the Green Bay Packers – the Bears changed the left side of their line.

The Packers had blocked the kick over Matt Pryor on the left side, and Vikings defensive lineman Jerry Tillery pushed forward in his block against Braxton Jones, who was standing next to Pryor.