The NFL is the #1 sports brand in America because they have so many BIG moments throughout the year. Obvious biggies are the season opener, playoffs, the Super Bowl and the Pro Bowl. Yes, the Pro Bowl somehow grabs very good ratings, but look at how big the off season events are.
The NFL combine has become must see TV. The opening of free agency brings about a news frenzy. The NFL Draft has become such a huge deal they are expanding it by another day and have plans to take it from city to city. Organized Team Activities (OTA) dominates the news-cycle. Mandatory mini camp is all over social media. Then we have the actual opening of Training Camp which finally signals the beginning of the new football season.
Optimism is at Defcon 1 all around the NFL. Every fanbase truly believes this is the year for their team.
I try to maintain a level head when discussing the Chicago Bears, but the changes made by general manager Phil Emery has me really confident this year. He basically turned the offense into a legit pro offense in one off season, so hopefully his additions can do the same on the defensive side of the ball this year. On paper this Bears team appears to be damn good.
"It looks great on paper," said C Roberto Garza of the #Bears offense. "It means nothing. Now, it's time to go to work."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) July 24, 2014
Well said...
We'll learn more about what type of team the Bears will have in the coming weeks.
Now on to a few more tweets about the Bears' first day at camp.
Every #Bears player passed the conditioning test, per Lamarr Houston. "Coach Trestman was impressed."
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) July 24, 2014
Jimmy Clausen said he was surprised how helpful Jay Cutler was in helping him learn #Bears offense. "You hear different things about guys."
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) July 24, 2014
#Bears QB Jimmy Clausen says he trained with Aaron Rodgers, Colin Kaepernick, Clay Matthews and others this summer in suburban Los Angeles.
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) July 24, 2014
Jordan Lynch, Heisman finalist as QB. Roster hopeful as RB. Has lost almost 20 pounds at #Bears request. pic.twitter.com/sa7NJE9jry
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) July 24, 2014
How about one more about Lynch!
Jordan Lynch says he used the time off before camp to work out with the RBs at Northern Illinois.
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) July 24, 2014
Fun fact; Haglund's Deformity, which sidelined #Bears' Adrian Wilson last year, is nicknamed "Pump Bump." Often affects women in hiigh heels
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) July 24, 2014
Adrian Wilson said he knows he’s a "low risk, high reward" signing by the #Bears. Definitely a fire burning in him to play again.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) July 24, 2014
If Adrian Wilson can regain his form at 34 years old, he will provide leadership and play-making ability on the back end of the D.
Kyle Long said he was "pretty sick" but is feeling "a lot better." #Bears
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) July 24, 2014
Long has a non-contagious viral infection and he will be reevaluated next week.
For those of you thinking about attending camp, click here for all the info you'll need.