White’s Redemption Tour, Trubisky’s Early Excellence, Sleepers, and Other Bullets

Jul 13, 2018

It’s Friday the 13th and I’m just hoping to get through the rest of the day unscathed.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report runs through the league and presents each team’s most disappointing player. To no one’s surprise, Kevin White is the choice for the Bears. White, who once wore No. 13, will soon get a chance to put the past where it belongs by having a strong training camp. The offseason training program has been good for White, who has gained public support from his teammates and coaches. One of the best storylines to follow will be how he makes his mark and if he can apply it to preseason games. Speaking of which, White is one of 12 receivers in camp and is one of a handful who return from last year’s team.

While Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Anthony Miller are locks at their respective positions, wide receiver figures to be the position group where the biggest summer battles will take place. Let’s assume the Bears will carry six receivers, that leaves nine players to scrap among each other for the remaining three spots. This will certainly be a nice competition, especially for some of the bottom of the depth chart guys who also contribute on special teams.

Of the nine receivers who don’t have a secure spot, Josh Bellamy and Tanner Gentry are the only ones who earned significant playing time last year. Bellamy is a more proven special teams player, but Gentry is younger and might have more untapped upside. But they’ll battle the likes of Bennie Fowler and Marlon Brown for playing time.

What a difference a year makes. Last year, there was no sense of direction with that Bears’ group of wide receivers. Several players were on one-year deals and the future didn’t look bright. With some stability at the top and upside throughout, there is a more confident feeling surrounding this group than in previous years.

The Bears’ receiving corps is one of the reasons listed by NFL.com’s Adam Rank on why he believes the Bears will make the postseason. There is a considerable amount of hype for this collection of pass catchers with Robinson leading the way, Gabriel serving as a complementary piece, and Tarik Cohen jumping out and contributing as a member of the backfield.

Now that the Bears have usable pieces, it’s time to get them some more looks in the first quarter – where Mitch Trubisky thrived:

Who are the NFL's highest graded quarterbacks per dropback in each quarter? @PFF_Cam takes a look:https://t.co/cjguO1Z6en pic.twitter.com/hxQZi43fvx
— PFF (@PFF) July 12, 2018

Trubisky’s first-down excellence and Jordan Howard’s late-down conversion rate should set the offense up for some good times this year:

Jordan Howard picked up the yardage needed on 75 percent of 3rd and 4th downs with a yard to go in 2017. pic.twitter.com/ZGmUFx8Gd1
— PFF (@PFF) July 13, 2018

And Tarik Cohen is no slouch, now that we mention it:

Tarik Cohen exceeded most reasonable expectations as a rookie for the Bears. pic.twitter.com/ytAlsoH9kX

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) July 13, 2018

Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune writes that Trubisky’s ability to command the offense will go a long way toward defining the 2018 season. Because having a new coach, scheme, and players is one thing, but having a complete grasp of the responsibilities and everything else that goes with being a premier starting quarterback is something totally different. If Trubisky struggles to get a feel for his new system, the Bears will struggle.

To be fair, I’m not expecting a smooth sailing trip from the get-go. There will be bumps in the road and kinks to work out throughout the way. Heck, there might even be some moments during training camp where things look rough. Patience will be important for all parties involved, that includes Trubisky.

I don’t think I’m stepping out on a ledge in predicting the Bears’ offense will have its share of problems to overcome. And that’s why it’s important that the team was able to bring back Vic Fangio to run the defense. Having both sides of the ball learning new systems, schemes, and terminologies might have led to an overload that might have been too much to overcome all at once.

Because of the continuity on the defensive side of the ball, it might be easier for us to pick a potential breakout player there because positions are pretty set. Matt Eurich of 247Sports offers up Isaiah Irving as someone who could step up in a big way. Irving had a strong close to the preseason last year and flashed in spurts during his brief stint on the roster during the regular season. Between special teams work and the possibility of growing into a pass-rusher on the edge, there should be ample opportunities for Irving to prove he can bang with the big boys.

written by

Luis C. Medina

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Chicago Bears

Bears to Host Practice with Bengals During Training Camp

During his press conference this afternoon, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced that the team will host the Cincinnati Bengals for a live practice during training camp. The practice will take place on Thursday, August 15, ahead of their preseason...

Patrick K. Flowers

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Bears

Explaining Another Caleb INT, Punter Prowess, Manti Te’o on TV? And Other Bears Bullets

The last day of Bears mandatory minicamp is today. Here's hoping everyone (present company included) finishes the week on a high note. In case you missed it: We've got some news, notes, nuggets, tidbits, and highlights from Day 1 and...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Bears

Vikings Reveal New Winter Warrior Jerseys — Which They’ll Debut vs. the Bears

A team in the NFC North is set to debut a new uniform this season. Unfortunately, it is not the Chicago Bears. The Minnesota Vikings dropped a video on Thursday morning revealing the eye-popping, fashion-forward new uniform look. Check it...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears Day 2 Minicamp Notes: Best and Worst of Caleb, Injury Absences, More

Another day of Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp shenanigans. Let's get into it: Caleb Williams hooks up with Velus Jones Jr. I'm not even going to waste time with a wordy intro. Instead, I just want you to enjoy this throw...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 05, 2024

Chicago Bears

What About a Teven Jenkins Extension?

Teven Jenkins is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which means the Chicago Bears will soon hit a crossroads regarding what to do with their starting left guard. Bear Report's Zack Pearson sets us up for Teven Jenkins...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 05, 2024

Chicago Bears

Tory Taylor Was the Day 2 Star of Bears Minicamp

We'll have a fuller roundup of mandatory minicamp shenanigans later in the afternoon. But before we get to those, we clearly need to discuss Chicago Bears punter Tory Taylor, who apparently stole the show during Wednesday's practice. https://twitter.com/AdamHoge/status/1798429242449129586 Herb Howard...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 05, 2024

Chicago Bears

Dynasty Rankings: 2024 Top Twelve Dynasty Rookies

The NFL has become a year-round sport. Since the final second ticked off of another Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory on February 11th, the league has dominated sports highlights and headlines with the likes of the NFL Combine, a busy free...

BN Staff

Jun 04, 2024

Ja'Marr Chase for Monday Night Football promos 12.4

Chicago Bears

Around the NFL: Browns Extend Stefanski and Berry, Ja’Marr Chase Next for WR Mega-Deal? More

NFL Notes — On Wednesday, the Cleveland Browns extended coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. Stefanski has been with the team for five seasons, leading them to two playoff appearances. He received his second NFL Coach of the...

Patrick K. Flowers

Jun 05, 2024

Chicago Bears

Keenan Allen Delivers an Update on Potential Extension With Bears

If the Keenan Allen trade came as a surprise to you, just know that you are not alone. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles also felt similarly when pulling off the trade with the Los Angeles Chargers to acquire the...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 05, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears Minicamp Roundup, D Talks Smack, Watch Out For Tight Ends, and Other Bears Bullets

There are just 95 days until the Chicago Bears play a meaningful football game. For now, we'll allow mandatory minicamp OTA practices hold us over. ICYMI: The Bears had perfect attendance at Tuesday's practice. No holdout drama at Halas Hall....

Luis C. Medina

Jun 05, 2024

Picks

Padres vs. Diamondbacks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, June 6, 2024

The San Diego Padres (32-33) will look to Fernando Tatis Jr., red hot after a four-hit game, to lead them in a matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks (29-33) on Thursday at 9:40 PM ET on ARID. The Padres are -124...

Data Skrive

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Can Ian Happ Keep Up His Cincy-Heroics? Cubs vs Reds Series Preview

Cubs vs Reds — The Cubs did not have a great time facing the Reds last weekend, squeezing out just one win over three games despite Javier Assad and Justin Steele both throwing in that series (as well as Ben...

Michael Cerami

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Make a Big Change in the TV Booth

In the wake of The Athletic releasing their rankings of NHL television crews (based on a fan survey), the Blackhawks are making a big change in the booth. Chris Vosters is out as the play-by-play voice. Veteran broadcaster Rick Ball...

Tab Bamford

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | June 6, 2024: No Shortage of Offense for Iowa, Triantos Powers the Smokies, More

There was no shortage of offense for Iowa in a doubleheader split with Toledo, and the Smokies topped the Barons thanks to a solid day for James Triantos. That and more in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report |...

Patrick K. Flowers

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears to Host Practice with Bengals During Training Camp

Patrick K. Flowers

Jun 06, 2024

Picks

Thursday’s WNBA Picks and Predictions – June 6

The New York Liberty versus the Atlanta Dream is a game to catch on a Thursday WNBA schedule that includes two exciting contests.Keep reading and you'll find WNBA picks and predictions for each and every contest on today's slate.WNBA picks...

Data Skrive

Jun 06, 2024

Picks

Padres vs. Diamondbacks Probable Starting Pitchers – June 6

The San Diego Padres (32-33) look to end to a four-game skid as they host the Arizona Diamondbacks (29-33) on Thursday at 9:40 PM ET.The Padres will look to Randy Vasquez (1-3) versus the Diamondbacks and Slade Cecconi (1-4).Padres vs....

Data Skrive

Jun 06, 2024

NBA

Memphis Grizzlies Mock Draft: 9th Overall Pick Leads to Creative Guard

The Memphis Grizzlies are poised to make some exciting moves in the 2024 NBA Draft. This Memphis Grizzlies Mock Draft focuses on them adding the best player available. With the 9th, 39th, and 57th picks, they have the opportunity to...

Connor Allen

Jun 06, 2024

Betting

DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $150 for Mavericks & Celtics Game 1 and More

At long last, Game 1 of the NBA Finals has arrived! Tonight in Boston, the Celtics and the Mavericks will finally get going in the NBA's championship series. That means for the first time in several days there is NBA...

Matt Rooney

Jun 06, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Celtics vs. Mavericks: Live Stream or on TV

The Boston Celtics will meet the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.The Celtics enter this matchup on the heels of a 105-102 victory over the Pacers on Monday. In their last matchup on Thursday, the Mavericks earned...

Data Skrive

Jun 06, 2024

White’s Redemption Tour, Trubisky’s Early Excellence, Sleepers, and Other Bullets

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular