The Chicago Bears are preparing for one of the most interesting training camps in recent memory. One with a roster that has seen a ton of turnover in the past few months. The best part is? Fans will be allowed to watch for the first time in two years. COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, so people will be able to watch the team practice again at Halas Hall as they prepare for the upcoming season.
One can imagine those who won’t get to attend will be dying for updates on what is happening in those practices. Specifically how position battles are unfolding. That is what might be the most unique about this year. There are some competitions that are far more even than in years past for the Bears. Enough to where this camp will determine a lot of how the starting lineup looks in September.
Which ones should camp attendees be focused on the most?
Fans are back at camp. So these Chicago Bears battles will be a focus
Justin Fields vs. Andy Dalton
Matt Nagy isn’t fooling anybody. He has insisted up and down for weeks that there will be no quarterback battle in training camp or the preseason. Dalton is the starter and Fields is the backup. Period. End of story. Yet history proves time and again things can change fast in the NFL. Fields is certainly not preparing like somebody who intends to be the backup. While he respects Dalton and is willing to abide by Nagy’s plan, he is aiming to pursue that starting job the moment camp opens later this month. If he plays well enough, it could sway the locker room to such a point where Nagy has no choice but to go with him.
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Damien Williams vs. Khalil Herbert
The recent news that Tarik Cohen is still dealing with lingering effects from his knee injury last year isn’t a surprise. ACL tears are still a serious thing. It might take some time for him to reach 100%. With that in mind, it’s possible somebody else will take over the #2 running back job behind David Montgomery. Chicago certainly created some fascinating competition between former Super Bowl legend Williams and 6th round pick Herbert. It will likely come down to which one showcases an ability to be more versatile in the passing game. Both catching the ball and picking up blitzes in protection.
Anthony Miller vs. Damiere Byrd and Marquise Goodwin
It is amazing things have reached this point for Miller. Even as late as the start of last season, optimism was high that the former 2nd round pick was ready to ascend into the upper echelon of NFL receivers. Now he is someone who narrowly avoided being traded this offseason and may not have a roster spot waiting for him. The Bears made sure of that with their slew of moves in free agency and the draft. Byrd and Goodwin are the two names he has to worry about the most. Both have proven more productive than him at various points in the past and are faster than he is. They’ve also looked better in practice thus far. If he fails to shine, the Chicago Bears may just decide to cut him outright.
One of the best plays on defense today came from Kindle Vildor (who's in his first career start). He initially covers the route in front of him, but keeps his eyes on Cousins, feels the receiver behind him and takes away an easy TD. Even Gipson gives the rookie some praise 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/NDjWnVqGbq
— The Chicago Audible (@ChicagoAudible) December 20, 2020
Desmond Trufant vs. Kindle Vildor
The exit of Kyle Fuller was by far the toughest decision made this offseason. Losing a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback is never easy. Money just made it necessary. Either way, it created a huge void opposite Jaylon Johnson the team needs to fill. While there are several potential options, the smart money should be on two names. Trufant is a former Pro Bowler himself and has played well when healthy. Vildor though has looked better in practices thus far and is much younger. It will come down to how healthy Trufant is and how much juice he still has against Vildor’s progression as an NFL corner after an up and down rookie season in 2020.
Jeremiah Attaochu vs. Trevis Gipson
This battle is more important than people realize. While Robert Quinn is technically the starter opposite Khalil Mack, the Chicago Bears defensive coaches have already said there is a plan to limit his snaps this season. No doubt in an effort to preserve his body which is dealing with ongoing injuries. That means they need somebody else at outside linebacker who can pick up those snaps. This is where Attaochu and Gipson come in. Both are angling to be the primary rotational guy. Attaochu had solid success the past two years in Denver under Vic Fangio. The Bears traded up for Gipson last year. So both have high expectations placed on them. Whoever manages to flash more in camp will likely see the field often this fall.
