The Chicago Bears recently have been using a play named “bully,” and it first became noticeable because it worked against the Green Bay Packers — but not how it was designed. It happened in the third quarter of the Bears’ 28-21 loss at Lambeau Field in Week 14, when quarterback Caleb William s threw a sideline lob to Cole Kmet — another one of Williams’ patented “wow” plays with a low completion probability. In this instance, it took Williams’ improvisational skills to pull it off. But more on that later. 5 things to watch in Saturday night’s Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers game — plus our Week 16 predictions The Bears also used bully on a touchdown run and an explosive pass play during their 31-3 blowout of the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, and the Bears may use it again Saturday night during their prime-time showdown against the Packers at Soldier Field. The formation is simple: Williams stands 4 to 5 yards behind of the line of scrimmage with tight ends flanked to either side of him and a running back 3 yards in back of him. The Baltimore Ravens used bully — they also called it the pistol-diamond formation — during quarterback Lamar Jackson’s MVP season in 2019. The heavy-formation play also can be used with a fullback on one of the flanks. Bears coach Ben Johnson explained why he started using his version: “The origin was going against Green Bay the first time and having those edge rushers. We had both those guys (tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet) in the backfield to deliberately look to chip those edges and slow down those D-ends. That was the starting point. “We’ve only done it for a couple weeks now. Like I said, each week is its own story. Whether we use that again this week or we want to go a different direction remains to be seen.” Kmet said after the Browns game: “We’ve run it the past few weeks mainly because we’ve gone up against some pretty elite pass rushers. So you got (the Browns’) Myles (Garrett) this week, and obviously (the Packers’) Micah (Parsons) last week, so it really just kind of helps ensure some protection and then get out on our routes.” Loveland said the play design incorporates a lot of versatility too. Column: Chicago Bears put Colston Loveland on the fast track — and the rookie tight end ‘just keeps learning’ “We can run so much stuff out of it … maybe we’re chipping, maybe we’re running the ball, we’re pulling or maybe we’re just getting out on a route,” he said. “So it’s just really messing with the defense, being able to do a lot of things out of that formation.” It’s also meant to confuse the defense. “As much window dressing and stuff you can do, it’s always good,” he said. Here’s a breakdown of three times the Bears used bully. Dec. 7 at Packers Bears tight end Cole Kmet gets up after making a reception in the third quarter against the Packers at Lambeau Field on Dec. 7, 2025, in Green Bay. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Situation: Third quarter, first-and-10 at the Packers 37. Result: 26-yard reception by Kmet. Breakdown: Loveland lined up to the left of Williams and Kmet to the right. Both tight ends tried to chip their edge rushers (Loveland on defensive Kingsley Enagbare and Kmet on Parsons), then ran flat routes in opposite directions. Williams appeared to be looking for Loveland to turn his head around right away, but Loveland kept on his route, and Edgerrin Cooper picked him up in coverage. Running back D’Andre Swift tried to pick up blitzing safety Xavier McKinney, but McKinney powered through his block and chased Williams out of the pocket toward the right sideline. Kmet ran up the sideline on a scramble drill and contorted his body to reel in Williams’ pass over the head of linebacker Isaiah McDuffie for a 26-yard gain. Four plays later, Williams connected with Olamide Zaccheaus on a 1-yard touchdown pass to pull the Bears within 14-11 after a successful two-point conversion. Sunday vs. the Browns Bears running back D'Andre Swift scores a touchdown ahead of Browns cornerback Myles Harden (26) in the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Situation: First quarter, first-and-goal at the Browns 6. Result: 6-yard touchdown run by D’Andre Swift. Breakdown: Loveland lined up left, Kmet right. Loveland ran a route and was wide open for a touchdown pass, and Kmet ran left and blocked safety Grant Delpit on a run blitz. Williams handed off to Swift, who cut right and beat defenders to the edge and hopped into the end zone. The Bears took a 7-0 lead. Sunday vs. the Browns Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) makes a reception ahead of Browns defenders in the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Situation: First quarter, first-and-10 at the Browns 48. Result: 40-yard catch by Luther Burden III. Breakdown: This time, tight end Durham Smythe lined up left and Kmet right. Smythe and Kmet ran out routes, and Burden ran a post opposite DJ Moore’s deep crosser. A couple of Browns defensive backs appeared to be confused by the cross-traffic, allowing Burden to get free up the middle for Williams’ strike. Burden slipped Myles Harden’s tackle and ran to the Browns 8-yard line. Three plays later, Williams threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Moore, and the Bears took a 14-0 lead. ...read more read less