NEWSLETTER
Just one more sleep until I’m back in the flesh at camp tomorrow. But for now, here are some Friday highlights.
Working Around the Cloud of Secrecy
One of the most archaic things about the NFL has to do with the cloud of secrecy behind which everything is hidden. For example, beat reporters at practice can’t be tweeting play designs or video. And it leads to exchanges like this:
But it also leads to tweets like this:
A tip of the cap for creativity in working around the system. But more than that, it really feels like Fields is progressing in his developments.
Don’t get me wrong. There is still work to be done. Fields fired two interceptions today. Both went off receivers hands. And when receivers gets hands on balls, they’ll insist they should’ve caught ’em because that is what they believe in their hearts. So while I’m not one to go against them, better accuracy on the throws and we’re not talking about interceptions. But in the end, it is the growth — no matter how incremental — that matters most.
The Young Secondary is Thriving
Here’s a shot…
… and your chaser:
Jaquan Brisker’s football IQ is on another level. And has shown a nose for the ball since he was ballin’ out at Penn State. Through offseason training and a handful of practices, Brisker has been looking like the the player pre-draft profiles were describing him to be. That doesn’t always happen. And it definitely doesn’t always show up early.
Oh … and Brisker wasn’t the only one putting in work to get picks:
On the one hand, I’m happy for Kyler Gordon. He is a key piece in this defensive puzzle. Not just because he was the first pick of the Ryan Poles era, but also because he figures to play multiple roles on the defense. However, on the other hand, seeing that the INT came off a deflected pass that went off Byron Pringle’s hands bugs me.
Pringle is supposed to be a starting receiver for this team. He is supposed to be a player who takes advantage of an uptick in playing time and makes the most out of newfound opportunities after leaving Kansas City. But if it turns out Pringle isn’t that player, then I hope the Bears quickly move onto someone who will cash in on the chances. Pringle can still contribute as a down-the-depth-chart receiver and core special teams player. However, the Bears (and their fans) expect more from a player the GM spoke highly of when signing.
David Montgomery’s Newfound Motivation
Few players have as many motivational chips on their shoulders as David Montgomery. The Bears’ leading rusher is entering the final year of his rookie year, is seeking a multi-year deal to stick around, and is out to prove last year’s down year was a fluke. On top of that, Montgomery has a new motivational factor entering his life:
New dad energy coming from RB1 totally means 1,500+ rushing yards, 500+ receiving yards, 10+ rushing & receiving touchdowns. That’s how this works. Don’t ask me to show my work either. Because that’s just what is bound to happen when you’ve got dad strength.
And if all else fails, few things brings the best out of a player like when they channel their inner Michael Jordan:
Montgomery figures to be an important key to the Bears’ offensive machine. Even if he splits time with Khalil Herbert and others, we know what Montgomery can do when given a load of carries. And we also have an idea what he can do in the open field with his tackle-breaking prowess. But what we *HAVEN’T* seen is Montgomery being properly deployed within a functional offense. Maybe we’ll see that with Luke Getsy’s scheme.
Extra Points
- I don’t want to make too much out of Justin Fields’ newly tweaked mechanics. After all, Fields does so much good stuff off-schedule — meaning mechanics are often out the window as he is on the move. But this is a nice example of what Fields’ throwing motion looks like after an offseason of work:
- Love seeing moments like this at camp:
- There was a point during Friday’s practice when the offensive line in front of Montgomery and the rest of the first-unit offense included four rookies:
- Four rookie Day 3 picks, and a second-year player who is one year removed from being a Day 3 selection. Part of me is really digging the volume approach. Surely, *ONE* of these players will beat out their pre-draft projection and exceed all expectations, right? Right!?
- I hope this wasn’t one of those “you break it, you buy it” kind of deals:
- After Friday’s practice, the Bears moved someone off their PUP list:
Sorry if you were thinking it was someone else.
