Chicago Bears training camp is officially underway and the first practice is in the books. Even though today was a closed practice, as your eyes and ears, we want to share what stood out to us — and what we believe you should know from the day’s events.
Quote of the Day
Today’s quote goes to … Robert Quinn.
Question: Is the buy-in different with a new coaching staff at this stage of your career?
No matter who’s the head coach or who’s in the locker room, I’m walking in. All I control is myself. You can’t play this game if you’re not happy to be here because it’s one of the roughest games out there. Every day you’ve got to buy in to be able to give the best of yourself. That’s all I’m trying to do every time I step in the building. I’m just trying to bring the best version of myself.
Chicago Bears DE Robert Quinn
Here are Will and Nick’s observations in all three phases from the Chicago Bears’ first practice of 2022 training camp. This was a non-padded practice. Pads will come on next Tuesday, August 2.
Offense
Justin Fields did not have the best day. Most of the times we noticed Fields were after the defense made a play on the ball. However — it must be noted that the Bears primarily practiced on the far side of the field, and even had the players block the view even further. So admittedly, it’s difficult to gauge Fields’ overall performance in today’s practice.
In 1-on-1 red zone drills, rookie receiver Velus Jones Jr. made a terrific double-move on Kyler Gordon making the corner bite on the inside fake and creating a ton of space along the outside for an easy touchdown.
In 1-on-1 drills, the linebackers matched up with the running backs, and rookie sixth-round pick Trestan Ebner made a nice contested back-shoulder catch against Jack Sanborn. Nathan Peterman was the quarterback for the rep.
Also in 1-on-1 pass blocking drills, the tight ends went against the defensive linemen. Trevis Gipson lined up against veteran Ryan Griffin. The 10-year veteran not only won the rep but he also put Gipson on the ground with a good block. (It did look like Gipson lost his footing on the rep.)
The starting offensive line was the same as the end of OTAs. From left to right: Braxton Jones, Cody Whitehair, Lucas Patrick, Sam Mustipher and Larry Borom. Newcomers Riley Reiff and Michael Schofield took reps with the starters at left tackle and right guard respectively during walkthroughs.
Teven Jenkins had back-to-back good reps during the 1-on-1 blocking drills. He stopped Carson Taylor’s pass rush. Then on the next rep, he did the exact same to rookie fifth-round pick Dominique Robinson.
Zachary Thomas – one of the Bears three six-round picks this year – had a really nice rep against Justin Jones. Thomas held his ground and prevented Jones from collapsing the pocket.
Defense
Matthew Adams lined up as the Will linebacker with the starters in place of Roquan Smith who started camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.
Newly-signed Jaquan Brisker made two plays on the ball in the red zone. He first was able to knock down a Justin Fields pass intended to James O’Shaughnessy over the middle. Soon after, he made a similar play, but this time came away with the interception.
Tavon Young was the starting slot corner for a majority of the first-team reps, which is significant because Thomas Graham Jr. was holding that position during OTAs.
Kyler Gordon was on the wrong end of a couple of plays during 1-on-1 drills. The rookie cornerback did line up both outside and also took snaps in the slot. Coach Eberflus said after practice that Gordon is “uber-smart” and that he can handle multiple spots.
Undrafted free agent Jack Sanborn played with the first team as the Sam linebacker and came away with an interception on a ball thrown by Fields.
Robert Quinn looked as quick as ever during pass rush drills.
Special Teams
Four different Bears took turns fielding punts: Dante Pettis, Velus Jones Jr., Chris Finke and Eddie Jackson.
Trenton Gill showed off his leg with multiple deep punts. The rookie punter did not look out of place.
