A Return to Soldier Field Had Something For Everyone and Other Bears Notes

August 4, 2019, by Luis Medina Chicago Bears

There was a time when I would have considered paying secondary ticket market prices to see Lil’ Wayne at Lollapalooza, but 2009 was a long time ago. I wish there were more artists I’d be willing to pay through the nose to go see, they’re just not out there right now. Either that, or I’m overlooking some obvious ones.

I could get used to Mitch Trubisky hooking up with Javon Wims on deep balls:

Better catch…. @Javon_Juice or lucky fan?#BearsFamilyFest pic.twitter.com/oHkhuTzaHy

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 4, 2019

For all of Trubisky’s training camp inconsistencies, one constant is that Wims has looked great in camp. It is one of the most encouraging developments this summer, especially since Wims opened eyes during OTAs when given additional opportunities to showcase his skills. Wims was just getting his feet wet at this time last year, but is now immersed in the offense completely. Hooking up with QB1 as often as he has this summer is hopefully a start to something special.
It’s wild to think about how Wims started receiving extra looks in OTAs because Anthony Miller was sidelined while he recovered from offseason shoulder surgery. To be clear, Mille isn’t going away any time soon. The second-year receiver is starting to get a feel for the offense again and has had his moments at training camp. Over at ESPN Chicago, Jeff Dickerson writes about a more mature Miller as he prepares to take his game to another level.
You can find this at the intersection of fantasy and reality:

Matt Nagy to me this morning: "I don't know who's going to have the big game. Everybody's live on every play. We're never going to have, I don't think, one guy receiver-wise that you see every week that has 9 catches for 140 yards, 2 touchdowns. That's just not us."

— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) August 2, 2019

I know. That’s the only concern – they have so many weapons and Mitch likes to spread it around. That said – super talented kid I know they are high on.

— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) August 2, 2019

Miller seems well-positioned to be a breakout performer this year. A sophomore break-through season could be in the cards for a player who put up big-time numbers as an All-American at Memphis and scored 7 touchdowns in limited action while playing with a separated shoulder. But because the Bears have so many options, it could limit the upside of Miller (or any number of Bears pass-catchers).
JJ Stankevitz (NBC Sports Chicago) tweets that tight end Trey Burton sat out Saturday’s practice. It was his second consecutive scheduled day off. It is good that the Bears are proceeding with caution as their top tight end target moves along in his recovery process, but there is a growing concern about the position with each missed practice. Burton and Adam Shaheen being limited makes me itchy, especially since we know how much of an impact the tight end position can have within Matt Nagy’s offense. I suppose it is good for other tight end prospects to get involved and make the most of their newfound reps, but I would feel better about the position’s prospects moving forward if the team’s best players were healthy.
Speed never slumps:

Too fast. Too good. @TarikCohen | #BearDown pic.twitter.com/6caOCKrSqF

— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr) August 4, 2019

Maybe it’s just me, or maybe the Bears could conceivably run this route all day — especially against man coverage. Joel Iyiegbuniwe holds his own in coverage, but Tarik Cohen has a speed burst level that is unlike most other players.
Not only could Cohen run that route all day, he could do it from any number of spots in a formation. The versatility he brings to the table is unmatched and makes him one of the most valuable players on this team.
When it comes to the defensive side of the ball, this is a report I love to read:

Sherrick McManis had two interceptions last night.

Matt Nagy on the longest-tenured Bear: “When there’s some balls in the air, he’s making plays. He’s done a good job in practice punching out balls and he’s been opportunistic and that’s what we need.”

— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) August 4, 2019

Seriously, this was a nice snag:

https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1157841987518763010

A troubling thought: If Buster Skrine continues to struggle, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he ends up as nickel corner No. 3 behind Duke Shelley and McManis. To be clear, I don’t want to jump to any conclusions based on training camp or a Soldier Field practice, but Skrine’s track record is one that gives reasons to be concerned. Let’s see how this plays out over the preseason … which begins on Thursday at home against the Panthers.
You’ve gotta be quick, young fella:

View this post on Instagram

Catch him if you can, little man! #BearsFamilyFest

A post shared by Chicago Bears (@chicagobears) on Aug 3, 2019 at 8:47pm PDT

Duck madness:

https://twitter.com/appstatesports/status/1158015794804133888

So much love from the fans:

Bears HC Matt Nagy says close to 19,000 fans out here at Soldier Field for practice.

— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) August 4, 2019

This is not a list you want to see your team’s starting quarterback on:

Highest percentage, uncatchable passes on targets in 1-20-yard range in 2018:

1. Josh Rosen 27.9%
2. Lamar Jackson 25.6
3. Mitchell Trubisky 24.2
4. Josh Allen 23.8
5. Jameis Winston 22.2
6. Blake Bortles 20.3
6. Ben Roethlisberger 20.3
8. Sam Darnold 20.0
9. Marcus Mariota 19.9

— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) August 2, 2019

I see Chase Daniel is up to his old tricks again:

.@KankakeeCVB has it ALL – take it from Kankakee County's Bob John. pic.twitter.com/LXBIklkST3

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 4, 2019

Do you want to feel good about the Chuck Pagano hire? Read this:

Ed Reed: "Chuck Pagano taught me everything I know about the defensive-back position and I took it to the next level." #PFHOF19

— Christian Shanafelt (@ChrisShanafelt) August 4, 2019