Chicago Bears Training Camp Observations: Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker make big plays

The fans brought the energy to Halas Hall for the Chicago Bears third practice of training camp. In Friday’s practice, the 2022 Draft Class was on full display for the offense and defense.

But more on that in a bit …

Quote of the Day

Today’s quote goes to … David Montgomery.

Question: What is your mindset going into this season?

Really, just taking it one day. Just taking it all one step at a time. The biggest thing I’m excited for — most people don’t know I have a child on the way. I’m excited to be a dad. So just being sure that I’m being the best version of myself for my girl. But also being prepared to be the best father I can be too. So while I’m going through this right now, I’m trying to be like, “This is where I was at here;  maybe if I’m this way it’ll prepare me better in moments where I can make a decision to be a dad.’ Because I’m sure there’s fathers in this room that have been met with adversity and things where you gotta be challenged. They have to face it and look like, ‘OK, it’s bigger than me.’ I gotta just figure out how to get through it. That’s kinda how I look at everything and I kinda take at it. I don’t really pay attention. If you know much about me, I’m not really paying too much about a contract, because I’m a firm believer that God’s gonna take care of whatever he’s supposed to take care of when he’s going to. It’s gonna happen when it does..

Chicago Bears RB David Montgomery

Here are Nick’s observations in all three phases from the Chicago Bears’ third practice of 2022 training camp on Friday, July 29.

Reminder: This was a non-padded practice. Pads will come on next Tuesday, August 2.

Offense

• Justin Fields had an up and down day at practice. His first pass in team drills was intercepted by rookie Kyler Gordon. Fellow second-round pick Jaquan Brisker also had an interception. But Fields ended the practice strong. In the 7-on-7 period, he completed every single one of his throws, ending the day 10 for 10.

• Without giving up too much information, it’s safe to say that Fields was on the move a lot in today’s practice. Rollouts. Designed rollouts. They will be featured in offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s offense.

• Darnell Mooney was the primary target for Fields in today’s practice. In that 7-on-7 period towards the end, Mooney ran a short route to the flat and scored a touchdown.

• After Mooney caught his touchdown pass, N’Keal Harry scored on a similar play. Harry did a good job of getting open against Gordon in coverage.

• The offensive line had four rookies starting in today’s practice. Here is who lined up from left to right: Braxton Jones (LT), Zachary Thomas (LG), Doug Kramer (C), Ja’Tyre Carter (RG) and Larry Borom (RT).

• Bears center Lucas Patrick hurt his right hand in Thursday’s practice, and coach Matt Eberflus said there is no timetable for him to return. Left guard Cody Whitehair had a veteran day off. Teven Jenkins, according to Eberflus, is “working through something with trainers.”

• Equanimeous St. Brown made a nice catch in the front right corner of the end zone. On a broken play, where Fields most likely would’ve been sacked by Justin Jones, Fields threw a jump ball to Brown. The 6-foot-5 receiver elevated over Kindle Vildor to make the reception.

• Byron Pringle had a drop for the second consecutive day, but had a good diving catch later in the practice.

• After Mooney, Cole Kmet was easily Fields’ No. 2 target on the day. The designed rollouts that were mentioned above allowed the tight end to find some soft spots in the defense. 

Defense

• On the first play of team drills, Kyler Gordon intercepted Justin Fields. Gordon capitalized on a Fields’ pass that was thrown behind Darnell Mooney. The ball tipped off Mooney’s hands and Gordon reached out to complete the play.

•  Jaquan Brisker made the play of the day. He intercepted Fields in the red zone by undercutting a route by Cole Kmet. Brisker in his press conference after practice said, “I just took my eyes to his hips and then once I saw him get ready to catch the ball I just jumped in front of it.”

• Thomas Graham Jr. didn’t practice for the second-straight day. Matt Eberflus didn’t provide much clarification on what Graham is currently dealing with it at this time.

• Justin Jones made his way into the backfield a couple of times throughout practice. One of the reps in team period, he beat rookie Zachary Thomas and would’ve had a sack on the play. Also, on the touchdown reception by Equanimeous St. Brown, Jones created penetration and probably would’ve sacked Fields.

• Gordon had a nice play on Brown during the red zone period. Gordon prevented Brown from turning the corner on a shallow route in the flat, which kept Brown out of the end zone.

•  Defensive back Greg Stroman Jr. took a good angle on a pitch play to Trestan Ebner. Stroman’s pursuit to the ball carrier limited the play to a small gain.

• Even though Gordon was featured more in the slot in Thursday’s practice, he primarily lined up outside on Friday.

Special Teams

• The Bears continue to have several players taking reps at punt return. Eddie Jackson, Velus Jones Jr. Dante Pettis, Dazz Newsome, Nsimba Wesbster, Chris Finke and David Moore all got an opportunity to run with the ball while blocks were being set up.

Podcast: Full Practice Recap

Here's your quick Bears Training Camp Takeaways for Friday! 🐻⬇️@NicholasMoreano breaks down what you need to know going into to the weekend.

Tune in to the full show with @AdamHoge & @NicholasMoreano for more coming up at 2 PM!

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— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) July 29, 2022

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