Chicago Bears Training Camp Notebook Day 1: Caleb Williams executed the offense, Jaquan Brisker flashed

LAKE FOREST — From now until Chicago Bears training camp ends, I will share all of the notes that I take throughout practice — which includes play by plays of 7-on-7s and the team periods.

I will also devote a section just to Caleb Williams and provide my observations and analysis on the Bears’ rookie quarterback.

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Here is what happened during training camp practice No. 1

7-on-7s

• Williams started off practice with a completion to DJ Moore on a slant route. The ball was thrown accurately and Moore picked up a short gain on the play.
• Jaquan Brisker had a nice pass breakup on a Williams pass that was intended for Tyler Scott on a corner route near the right sideline. Brisker jumped the route, challenged the pass and forced an incompletion. This was easily the best play from camp. If Brisker can make more of those types of plays, he will be in line to have a productive third season.
• Williams connected with Roschon Johnson on a short pass to the left side in the flat. Williams got the ball out quickly to his second-year running back.
• Moore caught his second pass in the 7-on-7 period on a short pass in the middle of the field.
• Williams’ final pass went to Velus Jones Jr. for a short gain in the left flat. The period ended with Williams going 4 of 5.

Team Period

• Williams started the team portion of practice with a completion to Scott on a short gain in the left flat.
• Before the offense got a chance to run their second play, Shane Waldron called for the group to rehuddle due to some kind of miscommunication.
• On the third play, Williams looked to right and found Cole Kmet on hitch route for a short gain.
• Williams hit Johnson for a short gain in the left flat on the next play. I also had in my notes that Khari Blasingame was also in at the time.
• The Bears didn’t try many downfield throws during the short practice, but when they did, the defense came prepared. Williams attempted to hit Moore on a post route that would’ve gone for a touchdown, but Elijah Hicks read Williams’ eyes and broke up the pass. During this rep, the offense and defense both had a mix of starters and backups sprinkled on the field.
• D’Andre Swift caught his first ball on a short screen pass on the left side of the field. The defense was all over the play, and limited Swift to a minimal gain.

• Tyson Bagent started off the team period with a completion to Tommy Sweeney on a post route. The pass was low, but Sweeney made a nice adjustment and went low to complete the play.
• Bagent then hit Dante Pettis for a short gain in the flat to the right side of the formation.
• Blasingame caught his first pass on a short swing route in the left flat. The defense was right there when Blasingame caught the ball, and the defensive player would’ve been in a position to deliver a big hit if things were live.

Situational Team Period

The Bears offense had to start around the 40-yard line with 1:10 remaining on the clock down 14-10. Williams started the drive with a sidearm throw to Keenan Allen on a slant route, but then the offense stalled. Williams’ next pass was deflected by Gervon Dexter Sr., and Williams actually caught his own pass and ran out of bounds. On the following play, there was miscommunication between Williams and Scott. Scott ran a vertical route and Williams threw a pass near the right sideline that was clearly shorter than what Scott was running, and Williams hunched over after the pass fell incomplete. The final play was an incompletion to Stephen Carlson on third down. This ball got away from Williams, as he sailed it over his tight end near the right sideline.

Caleb Williams Observations

For what Williams was asked to do, I thought he had a good day. The ball was coming out quickly. He hit a variety of different targets. And he didn’t hesitate or look to run if guys weren’t open.

On the two passes that traveled over 10 yards, the defensive backs made good plays on the ball. Going back to the post route intended for Moore, I wonder if Williams could’ve moved Hicks off his spot more by looking in the other direction? Again, it’s impossible to know exactly without a replay, but Williams now has that rep in his memory bank to use the next time he is in a similar situation.

One of the things I want to see from Williams in this training camp are the different arm angles and overall accuracy. He showed both on his throw to Allen.

A good start for the No. 1 overall pick, but there is plenty more for him to show as training camp progresses.

Other Snippets

• Ryan Bates practiced only with the first-team offense on Saturday. Coleman Shelton ran with the backups on the opposite field from the starters. Doug Kramer even got a few reps with the starters when Bates got a rest.
• Nate Davis was a full participant in Saturday’s practice. He didn’t take off during individuals and was out there consistently during the team portion of practice. Good start for the Bears starting right guard.
• The Bears had several players getting reps at punt returner: Pettis, Jones, Tyrique Stevenson, DeAndre Carter, Greg Stroman Jr., Nsimba Webster and Moore. I did see Stevenson muff a punt, but he did get another opportunity immediately after and caught the ball cleanly.

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