We’ve reached that lull in the offseason for NFL news — the time between minicamp and training camp. Luckily, we’ll learn more about Allen Robinson’s extension situation, Aaron Rodgers, and perhaps more in this time — but until then, it’ll be devoid of news.
Luckily, we have our handy dandy Bears Mailbag to dive into together. Follow me on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.
Bears Mailbag
A few things:
– Dalton/Fields
– Teven Jenkins vs. Bears' DL
– Is Goldman back?
– Vildor vs. Trufant vs. Others for CB2
– WR competitionThose are the main things.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 30, 2021
To expand on this, here are a few bullets on each one:
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- While Matt Nagy has said that Andy Dalton is the starter going into training camp, it’ll be important to see that the gap between the two QBs is not significantly large. If Dalton is a lot worse than Fields, it means the Bears may have to throw Fields in there before they want to (similar to Mike Glennon/Mitch Trubisky). If Dalton is a lot better than Fields, then the Bears will need to ramp up the development even more than they thought to hopefully close the gap.
- The Bears thrust Teven Jenkins into the spotlight when they traded up for him in the second round, indicated that they could see him at left tackle, and then cut Charles Leno Jr. It’s Jenkins’ spot until told otherwise. Can he hold his own against Khalil Mack?
- Eddie Goldman skipped mandatory veteran minicamp, prompting Nagy to go out of his way to say it was an unexcused absence. No reasoning was given. They also indicated they expect Goldman back at training camp time. Let’s hope that’s the case.
- The CB2 battle will be widely watched after the Bears released Kyle Fuller, making Jaylon Johnson the defacto CB1. With Sean Desai’s scheme being installed, the Bears may have newer expectations of their CBs — which of the presumed frontronners, Trufant or Vildor, will take the job? And keep an eye on Artie Burns and Tre Roberson as well.
- The WR competition is fascinating. Anthony Miller is fighting for a roster spot after three years as an unquestioned WR on the team. Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd showed out in minicamp and add elite speed to the mix. Riley Ridley has his work cut out for him. Dazz Newsome is looking to get healthy after breaking his collarbone. If the Bears keep six WRs, which six will they keep?
I think the Bears need to know just how much the cap will rise in 2022 before they can commit to what Robinson is likely asking for. It's why I doubt they'll reach agreement by July 15.
But if 2021 goes well and the cap rises a lot? The Bears may try to expedite a deal.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 30, 2021
I think many Bears fans will be surprised by just how much Dalton can help the offense. This is not a career backup who had a hot streak (Foles) or a bottom-three QB (Trubisky).
Dalton has been a legit starter in the NFL for a decade. Bears fans are in for a surprise.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 30, 2021
I don't think Roberson will impact the competition as much as Kindle Vildor and Desmond Trufant will (assuming they stay healthy).
Trufant was the favorite before minicamp, but it appears Vildor really turned heads. I'd keep a close eye on him.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 30, 2021
James Daniels was playing his best football before his injury last year. I think the Bears are excited about their starting interior of Whitehair (LG), Mustipher (C), and Daniels (RG). They don't want to weaken that.
In fact, they'd be wise to explore a Daniels extension soon.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 30, 2021
When the Bears feel he is ready and Dalton's play gives them a reason to put Fields in.
I'd watch either Halloween against SF or the November game against Baltimore — both at Soldier Field.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 30, 2021
Reports are out there that he was not talking about Trubisky. Tannehill is an excellent QB who'd had a career year, so it couldn't be him.
I'd imagine he was talking about Garoppolo, but in jest. They have a pretty good relationship, from what I gather.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 30, 2021
