The Chicago Bears concluded their offseason program with mandatory minicamp, which wrapped at Halas Hall.
Chicago conducted their final practice on Thursday, which was open to the media. While it was a short practice with a focus on short field and red zone, there were still some nuggets to come out of practice.
There were plenty of storylines that came out of Thursday’s practice, including Justin Fields’ big day, standout days from Robert Tonyan and Dante Pettis, and the offense’s success in the red zone.
Following the Bears’ final practice of minicamp, here’s what we learned:
1
Justin Fields had his sharpest practice of the spring
Justin Fields wrapped minicamp with his sharpest practice of the spring, per multiple media members in attendance. The final practice focused on red zone work, where Fields had some nice touchdown passes to tight ends Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan.
“It was good. I thought it was nice,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “I thought Justin went through his reads and went through his progressions nicely and hit some good routes in the corners and the front pylons. It was good.”
According to Joseph Herff, Fields went 12-of-15 with his incompletions coming courtesy of a drop by rookie receiver Tyler Scott, receiver Dante Pettis not turning his head quick enough and safety Jaquan Brisker making a great play on the ball.
Eberflus did note that today’s red zone drill was a little different because there wasn’t a full-on rush from the defensive line.
Still, it was nice to wrap the offseason program on a high note heading into a six-week break ahead of training camp.
“I feel like we finished up minicamp strongly,” he said.
Justin Fields had his sharpest practice of minicamp today, especially in the red zone.
Here he is throwing on the run in individual drills. pic.twitter.com/H59bZJ5abW
— Alex Shapiro (@AlexShapiroNBCS) June 15, 2023
Overall it was a good day for Justin Fields out there. Looked really sharp in team drills including redzone where he had a couple of touchdowns.
Nice throws to EQ, Tonyan, Kmet.
Ended practice with a scramble TD to Dante Pettis. The WR adjusted nicely and beat Gordon.#Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) June 15, 2023
2
Robert Tonyan was a threat in the red zone
New Bears tight end Robert Tonyan was one of the standouts during the final practice of mandatory minicamp. That’s not a surprise considering Tonyan is known for being a threat in the red zone, something Chicago is looking to capitalize on.
According to the media in attendance, Tonyan had the play of the day during red zone work when caught a touchdown on a route to the back corner of the end zone.
Okay, Bobby 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/iYvFtUbpqj
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 15, 2023
The tight end duo of Cole Kmet and Tonyan gives Fields plenty of options to find success in the red zone this season.
3
The returns of Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool for training camp
Fields has been without two of his top receivers, Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool, during the offseason program. Mooney has been rehabbing his ankle, which he fractured last November. Meanwhile, Claypool has been sidelined since the second week of OTAs with what Eberflus described as a “soft tissue” injury.
Fields was asked about the importance of getting those guys up to speed come training camp.
“Chase has been out, what, the past two weeks?” Fields said. “So, I feel like when Chase was practicing with us, we did get that down a little bit. I think he grew tremendously from last year until now. So, I think we got a base in. With Mooney, I feel like I’m already connected with Mooney, so that’s fine. But it’s just going to be great having those guys back on the field and having them healthy for training camp instead of having them come out for three or four practices, risking further injury. The biggest thing with that was just health.”
4
Justin Fields talks chemistry with DJ Moore
Justin Fields and DJ Moore have been the talk of the offseason program as their chemistry has flourished.
Teammates have pointed out how quickly they’ve developed that chemistry, and Fields agreed.
“It did come on quickly,” Fields said. “I didn’t really expect anything because it’s different for each guy, but I feel like with DJ, his body language is pretty easy to read. Early on we communicated on how we want each route ran and stuff like that. Of course, he has a lot of experience. He’s been in the league for a good period of time now. He’s played a lot of football, so he knows different coverages really well. That’s one thing that I was kind of impressed about with the offense coming in and just understanding, seeing coverages really well on short routes and stuff like that. He’s been great. And you know, the chemistry has really picked up.”
Throughout OTAs and minicamp, Fields and Moore have made some impressive plays that indicate the Bears could have something special on their hands.
5
Dante Pettis had a strong practice
With Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool sidelined during minicamp, it’s allowed other receivers an opportunity to step up. During Thursday’s practice, which focused heavily on red zone work, receiver Dante Pettis made his presence known.
According to Bear Report, Pettis had a strong end to practice, which included two touchdown catches where he beat cornerback Kyler Gordon.
Dante Pettis closed out practice strong today. Had two TD catches, beating Kyler Gordon. #Bears
— Bear Report (@BearReport) June 15, 2023
When looking at the receivers room, it feels like DJ Moore, Mooney, Claypool and rookie Tyler Scott are the only ones guaranteed a roster spot. Which leaves two spots between Pettis, Equanimeous St. Brown and Velus Jones Jr. Pettis will need more of these days come training camp.
6
Praise for the rookies
The Bears have an exciting rookie draft class who could serve significant roles in their first seasons. Two of the standouts during the offseason program have been defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
During minicamp, Dexter brought pressure on left guard Teven Jenkins and center Cody Whitehair. Matt Eberflus said Dexter has been doing a lot pilates to work on his flexibility. Eberflus talked about his versatility between nose and 3-technique, as well as “man he hustles.”
Eberflus was also asked about Stevenson, who looks like he could start on the outside Day 1. Eberflus said he likes the size, speed and tackling ability that Stevenson brings to the table.
“We love where he is in terms of his length, his competitiveness and we know he tackles,” Eberflus said. “We know he likes to hit. That’s why he’s here. Corners need to tackle. They need to really be a physical force out there and he’s gonna do that. And we’re excited about that, getting the pads on. So I think he’ll take even a step up more when we get the pads on. We get to see him used to those pads.”
7
Justin Fields’ leadership shining through
Justin Fields has been improving in multiple areas this offseason, whether it’s his processing and decision making. But he’s also starting to come into his own as a leader on the Bears.
Matt Eberflus said he’s been impressed with how Fields has gone beyond leading by example with his hard work and how he’s bringing together the offense and defense.
“I just see leadership,” Eberflus said. “He’s always the hardest worker, always the first guy out, last to leave. He’s always done that. But now I can see that, because his confidence is growing, he’s taking that to a different level as far as being a vocal leader and talking to guys and being able to bring guys together.”
And it’s resonating with Fields’ teammates.
“Seeing how he commands that huddle and what he wants to see out of all of us,” said left guard Teven Jenkins, “it’s a wake-up call for me that I need to push myself to be on his level because he’s demanding a certain effort out of all of us.”
That’s what you want to see from your quarterback.
8
Bears had NFL official give presentation on gambling rules
With the recent gambling issues across the NFL teams, Eberflus wants to make sure his players are aware of the rules so they make the same mistakes others have.
Eberflus said the league sent an official to Halas Hall on Wednesday, where there was a presentation on the sports gambling rules.
9
Summer plans
The work doesn’t stop for Fields now that mandatory minicamp is in the books. Fields is leaving for France on Friday for an international football camp.
The QB Takeover Football Camp is happening Sunday at the U.S. Metropolitaine Des Transports in Paris. Fields will be joined by fellow NFL quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Jordan Love, who are also managed by David Mulugheta and who train together during the offseason.
“My first time in Europe, so I’m definitely excited for that. …” he said. “Just to be out there, teach some kids.”
After that, Fields will take a week off before getting back to training away from the facility. Fields said the plan is to get some wide receivers, tight ends and running backs down to Florida in early July to workout ahead of training camp later that month.
10
Training camp schedule coming soon
Following the conclusion of the offseason program, the Bears will have a six-week summer break before returning to Halas Hall for training camp next month.
Matt Eberflus said that the training camp schedule will be coming soon, as in within the next day or two, so we can prepare for the unofficial start to the 2023 season.
Last year, Bears rookies reported on July 23 with veterans reporting on July 26.
