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I could get used to this.
So far, through about a week of Chicago Bears training camp, the praise for the quarterbacks has yet to cease. Both Andy Dalton and Justin Fields have been making plays all over the practice field at Halas Hall, and while I expected the veteran Dalton to be consistent and professional, I honestly wasn’t expecting the daily reports of Fields shining.
I figured he’d flash here and there while also taking some lumps, but even the occasional interception just feels like a teaching moment that he’ll quickly file away to learn from and grow as a player.
Today was no exception as Fields did throw a couple picks, but he also moved the ball and displayed a good command of the offense during their live sessions. It’s worth noting that Fields was running the number two offense against the Bears number one defense during their scrimmaging.
The Bears had former head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach Doug Pederson in at practice to work with the QBs, but reports indicate it was just a one time thing.
Wide out Darnell Mooney has been one of the biggest recipients of the solid QB play thus far, with tight ends Cole Kmet and Jesse James getting plenty of love too, but some of the unheralded guys like Jon’Vea Johnson and Rodney Adams have been popping up on my Twitter feed too.
With the pads on for the first of three consecutive days, several players on defense got to shine too, with Roquan Smith, Kindle Vildor, and the defensive line all getting some buzz today.
The Bears shared some highlights via their YouTube channel.
And here are a few observations form those at camp from the Twittersphere.
WR Marquise Goodwin is as good as advervisted. He had some really nice plays today and will emerge as a big piece in this offense. #Bears
— Usayd Koshul (@usaydkoshul) August 6, 2021
Arlington Hambright now taking a turn with the starters at left tackle. Alex Bars has shifted over to RT with Lachavious Simmons sidelined.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 6, 2021
A lot of reps here for Dieter Eiselen. Chance for him with all of these injuries. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 6, 2021
- #Bears really need their OL to get back healthy. DL pretty much dominated throughout and the offense was out of sync as a result
— Andrew Freeman (@AjFreeman25) August 6, 2021
- Khalil Herbert really impressed me. Nice contact balance in live drills
- Vildor making plays at outside CB
- Keep an eye on WR Jon'Vae Johnson
Trevis Gipson just used a swim move on Tyrone Wheatley Jr. and went right by Wheatley for the sack in 1-on-1 drills. Gipson have been showing all the pass rush moves throughout this camp.
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) August 6, 2021
Darnell Mooney wins a jump ball over Jaylon Johnson. Good throw by Andy Dalton. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 6, 2021
Best thing I saw at #Bears camp today: Roquan Smith picking off a Justin Fields shovel pass. pic.twitter.com/NelX7uPds3
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) August 6, 2021
Roquan Smith has made two great plays in these live goal line drills. First, he intercepted Justin Fields on a shovel pass. Then a few plays later he had a tackle for loss on the running back.
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) August 6, 2021
Mooney with a nice route on Vildor. Created good separation for Dalton #Bears
— Andrew Freeman (@AjFreeman25) August 6, 2021
By the way, #Bears CB Kindle Vildor took advantage of the opportunity he was given today with veteran CB Desmond Trufant nursing an injury.
— Usayd Koshul (@usaydkoshul) August 6, 2021
Cole Kmet ran a drag route over the middle and finished the play with a strong stiff arm on Austin Calitro.
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) August 6, 2021
Alex Ogletree with his 2nd pick in two days. Snatched a pass in the flat made by Nick Foles. New linebacker is fitting in.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 6, 2021
Also, a public service announcement...
To #Bears fans attending training camp practices: All scheduled 8:30am practices will now start at 9am.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 6, 2021