The intensity at camp gets turned a notch today as the Bears will hit the practice field for the first time in full pads. During the first week, when only helmets were allowed, the offense consistently outperformed their defensive teammates early, but on Monday, the defense showed up with several defenders making plays. Tyrigue Stevenson had two interceptions, including one against Justin Fields. DeMarcus Walker continues to make his presence felt. The defense showed out early, but the offense also had its moments. Justin Fields threw interceptions early, then went 8-10 during 7-on-7 drills later in practice.
During each practice, there have been stellar performances. Confidence on both sides of the ball continues to grow. Today, as the Bears are set to practice in full pads for the first time; we look at eight players who have stood out so far.
Justin Fields
Ryan Poles had a huge decision to make entering this off-season. With the first overall selection in the draft he could have opted to bring in a new QB. Ultimately, the decision to stick with Fields is paying immediate dividends. Fields decision-making, processing what the defense is giving him, his footwork, and accuracy have been on full display.
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Chase Claypool
When the Bears announced Claypool was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, the air of uncertainty permeated through the minds of most fans. A rumor questioning his motivation surfaced after he missed most of the spring workouts didn’t help. Since camp opened last week, Claypool was eased into the offense, and Monday, we saw his best day at camp, making several catches.
DJ Moore
The best player on the field has been Moore. His chemistry with Fields has been one of the major themes at Lake Forest. His ability to adjust to the ball to make catches over defenders has been on display early.
Darnell Wright
His ability to manhandle any defensive end in front of him has been a pleasure to witness. Social media comments like “That’s my (W)right Tackle” is quickly gaining momentum. When he admitted he was doing wide receiver drills to work out, Wright made waves during the first week of camp. Poles raved about his athleticism, saying he didn’t break a sweat when he performed his physical drills when camp opened last week.
Robert Tonyan
Acquired in the off-season, Tonyan has been impressive, lining up opposite Cole Kmet. His presence in the red zone has stood out. His size and speed, allowing him to exploit the middle of the field, will force defenses to assign a safety to cover him, providing bigger gaps in the secondary for Fields and the passing game.
Tyrique Stevenson and Terrell Smith
Both Stevenson and Smith have earned their fair share of praise from coaches. The duo has been splitting first-team reps thus far in camp. There is little doubt the secondary has become better and has more depth.
Tremaine Edmunds
Edmunds hit the ground running after Poles signed him back in March. His athleticism and leadership have made his presence felt. Edmunds has proved to be an ideal fit in coach Eberflus’ defense.
News and Notes
UFDA WR Thyrick Pitts was released, and the Bears signed TE Jered Pinkney.
Two of the next four practices (Wednesday and Saturday) are not open to the public.
Family Fest is Sunday at Soldier Field. Tickets are still available.
Dr. Melhus , cannot be a real doctor. I think he got his degree from the University of Phoenix… Online or perhaps he’s a proctologist and his had too many backfires come his way.
Dr. Melhus, maybe you should go back to reading romance novels and not Bears blogs. I have yet to read an article and be perturbed by incorrect grammar. Is there some, yeah, but I would much rather have timely information than have to run it through an editor, and then get the article in an untimely or delayed fashion. Again, your grammar comments are about as entertaining and permanent as the trolls trying to sell me their Mom’s business ideas.
People just love to nitpick…fully agree fields didnt do well last year, 1st yr in a new system, didnt get much development his rookie year under the so called qb whisperer (nagy) whos happy to be back riding the coattails of mahomes and reid. Lets recap what fields had to work with last season…eq, pettis, mooney for like a 1/3 of the season and a oline that was pathetic. Kmet was a bright spot but how could you not be with that group…Did i leave anything out? Oh thats right, a LT that couldnt stop a bull rush, a backup… Read more »
Erik: again, you need an editor. “Social media comments like “That’s my (W)right Tackle” is quickly gaining momentum.” Social media comments is plural, so use ‘are quickly …’. Maybe I’m a grammar stickler, but when you write incorrectly, it takes the focus off what you’re writing about, and puts it squarely on your errors.
@Ghost Tomahawk 34. I admit that I am one of the few ppl on here who typically enjoys your thorough and thought out comments, and I actually agree with about 60% of the things you say. Everything right now is just projections and hope when it comes to Fields. He hasn’t actually shown that he can be even a slightly below average passer. Nobody on here likes to hear that truth. But I do think we need optimism and hope for him. Especially considering his amazing work ethic and dedication he has. I hope he becomes great. I am curious,… Read more »