Matt Nagy always had a particular way of coaching during his time with the Chicago Bears. He tried to instill a family atmosphere and sought ways to keep players loose. While working hard was necessary, he often found ways to create diversions with various activities. He was a player’s coach. It hasn’t taken long for his successor Matt Eberflus to dispel any idea that he will bring more of the same. Bears rookies found that out the hard way.
On Friday, the team held its first minicamp, hosting 11 draft picks, 16 undrafted free agents, and several camp invitees. From the outset, it was apparent Eberflus wasn’t messing around. Multiple Bears beat writers who witnessed the practice came away saying it was one of the most intense they’d witnessed in years. If ever. Those who have followed Eberflus since he arrived shouldn’t be surprised.
Day 1 of Bears rookie camp is over. We'll hear from Matt Eberflus shortly. Couple observations:
-Probably the most vigorous rookie camp practice I've covered. Even tho team's in shorts/no pads, the level of intensity, finishing thru initial contact was emphasized and displayed.— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) May 6, 2022
Also, a little more of a 'ramped up' rookie minicamp practice than I imagined.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) May 6, 2022
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From the moment he took over, the Bears head coach preached H.I.T.S.
Hustle. Intensity. Takeaways. Smarts. Those are going to be the four core values of his football team. It is simple but not easy. Eberflus knew he had to set the tone early, and the Bears rookies were the first to get a real taste of it. Wide receivers and defensive backs went back and forth in spirited drills. Defensive players were all practicing ways to force fumbles on every single rep. Even the offensive linemen brought energy to the field.
This is going to be the new normal for the Bears. Matt Eberflus promised that the standard would be high moving forward. Players are expected to go 100% on every snap, even in practice. They’ll be labeled as a “loafer if they don’t.” Guys with too many loafs don’t get to play. It is that simple. Anybody unwilling to meet the standard won’t have a place on this team. Like it or not, this will be the identity of the new Bears.
It is a familiar one. Lovie Smith made it a staple of his largely successful run from 2004 to 2012. This time around could be even better if Justin Fields becomes the quarterback many believe he can be.
