Roy Williams

Asked where Roy Williams is at, in preparation for the season opener, Bears receivers coach Darryl Drake said, “Not where he needs to be, and he knows that.

“He and I have talked about that. And the good thing about it is, you got Johnny Knox who is fighting and working hard. And believe you and me, [Williams] also understands that Johnny is there, and Johnny is hungry, and Johnny wants his spot back. And if things don’t start changing, then Johnny is going to be in there. Heard it straight from the horse’s mouth.”

Williams said earlier Wednesday that he was being sarcastic about his comments from last week regarding his physical fitness. But Drake didn’t debunk the notion that Williams still isn’t in game shape.

“I understand that Roy’s got some things to do, as far as getting in shape, but that’s not my fault, and that’s not my concern,” Drake said. “My concern is making sure, when we play Atlanta, we got the best guys out there, that is going to give us the best chance to win. And if Johnny Knox is that guy, then he needs to be out there.”

These are strong words from Drake. But keep in mind that Drake coached Williams at Texas, and he knows how to push the receiver.

This appears to be motivational-speak to light a fire under Williams -- the Bears didn't sign him just to bench him at the first sign of trouble. He and Drake have a history so hopefully this will get his motor going so that he can be productive once again in Mike Martz's offense. If not, Johnny Knox will be a tremendous value in the final rounds.