The Chicago Bears hit the practice field for the first time during training camp on Wednesday, bringing us one step closer to the start of the 2023 season.
It was a closed, ramp-up practice for the team, which Matt Eberflus described more like an OTA workout. Practice was moved indoors due to poor air quality and weather conditions.
There was plenty to digest from practice and press conferences with head coach Matt Eberflus, tight end Cole Kmet and wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool.
Following Wednesday’s practice, here’s a look at what we learned from the first day of Bears training camp:
1
Things went smoothly for Bears offense on Day 1
The Bears offense kicked training camp off on a strong note with an overall impressive outing on Wednesday. Coach Matt Eberflus praised the offense for a smooth operation, where they were able to avoid mental mistakes.
“I thought the operation on offense was good for the first day,” Eberflus said, noting you usually see false starts and other errors on the first day. But that wasn’t the case on Wednesday.
Thought it was a solid day overall for QB Justin Fields and the offense. A good start to camp on Day 1. #Bears
— Bear Report (@BearReport) July 26, 2023
Considering the struggles of the offense in years past, early on in training camp, this is certainly encouraging news.
2
Justin Fields and DJ Moore had the play of the day
Surprise! Justin Fields and DJ Moore’s continue to be the talk of practice, as they connected for the play of the day. Fields connected with Moore down the right sideline, with rookie Tyrique Stevenson in coverage, for a touchdown during team drills.
Fields to Moore
Inject this into my veins 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/Zv1LHadA8m
— DeeksView (@DeeksViewOG) July 26, 2023
Even sweeter? Moore made the catch as Lil Wayne’s “Go DJ” was playing in the background.
Play of the day: A Justin Fields touchdown pass to DJ Moore down the right sideline in team drills. Rookie CB Tyrique Stevenson was in coverage on the play.
As soon as Moore caught the ball, Lil Wayne's "Go DJ" was playing and Moore scored during the lyrics, "That's my DJ."
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) July 26, 2023
Practice is done. The highlight of the day was Justin Fields connecting with DJ Moore deep down the right sideline for a touchdown. Moore beat rookie Tyrique Stevenson. Really good throw and a good catch.#Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) July 26, 2023
Surely the first of many impressive touchdowns to come this summer.
3
Overall a strong day for Justin Fields
Quarterback Justin Fields had an impressive first practice on Wednesday, which Adam Hoge said there were “very few balls on the ground.” Fields’ best play came courtesy of the aforementioned deep touchdown to DJ Moore.
Matt Eberflus praised Fields for some nice throws from practice, including the Moore deep ball, a touchdown to Chase Claypool and completion to Equanimeous St. Brown.
“Saw some real nice throws out there from Justin,” Eberflus said.
Strong first day for Justin Fields. Very few balls on the ground.
Best play: Good deep ball to DJ Moore for TD. Moore used his body perfectly to create space on Tyrique Stevenson and Fields put it in the perfect spot.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) July 26, 2023
4
Darnell Mooney, Jack Sanborn in ramp-up period
Matt Eberflus explained that players coming back from injury from the previous season are in the midst of a ramp-up period. Specifically, that includes wide receiver Darnell Mooney and linebacker Jack Sanborn.
Mooney didn’t participate in team drills, but he ran a slant route to beat rookie Tyrique Stevenson and hauled in a catch from Justin Fields during 7-on-7 drills. While Mooney appreciates the staff being cautious with him, he’s ready to go when they give him the go-ahead.
“Whenever they let me out of the cage, I’m ready to go,” he said.
Bears WR Darnell Mooney did not appear to be a full participant in practice, though he did warm up with the team and do some individual work. pic.twitter.com/wVe4R8TimV
— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) July 26, 2023
I have Jack Sanborn content. #Bears pic.twitter.com/y7HbYge51U
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) July 26, 2023
5
Cole Kmet describes contract extension process
The big news of the day is tight end Cole Kmet signing a four-year contract extension worth $50 million. The news broke during Wednesday’s practice, and Kmet explained that he learned that a deal was in place 20 minutes before practice started. Kmet said his first emotion was relief.
“The last few days have been pretty hectic kind of figuring out, not really knowing where it was going to go,” he said.
Kmet is the first extension for general manager Ryan Poles, who joined the Bears last offseason. The fact that it was former GM Ryan Pace, not Poles, who drafted Kmet, it makes it all the sweeter.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “It’s obviously life-changing stuff. … I’m honored that they felt I’m a guy worthy of this.”
6
Velus Jones Jr. has been consistent returning punts
Bears second-year receiver Velus Jones is on the roster bubble this summer, where he’ll need a strong training camp performance to earn a roster spot. Jones’ best bet is becoming a reliable option on special teams, and it sounds like he’s off to a good start.
Matt Eberflus said Jones has been “much better” and comfortable when it comes to punt returns this year, which is something he struggled with last season.
Matt Eberflus says his early impressions of Velus Jones Jr. are that he looks more comfortable on punt returns. Talked about using him as a "gadget" player. Mentioned his contributions lining up as a receiver third.
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) July 26, 2023
Eberflus also spoke about Jones’ potential contributions on offense, where they would utilize him as a gadget player.
7
Robert Tonyan proving to be red zone threat
The Bears knew what they were getting in tight end Robert Tonyan, who made a name for himself as a red zone threat during his time with the Packers.
Tonyan’s playmaking ability in the red zone was evident during Wednesday’s practice, where he looked comfortable creating space catching passes in the end zone, according to CHGO’s Mark Carman.
Top 3 Takeaways Day 2 #Bears Training Camp:
1. Justin Fields sprayed the ball around and looked in control
2. Many bobbles all around from Tyler Scott, Khari Blasingame, D'Onta Foreman
3. Robert Tonyan looks very comfortable creating space catching passes in the end zone
— Mark Carman (@thecarm) July 26, 2023
8
Bears expect Dante Pettis to return from NFI list soon
Bears wide receiver Dante Pettis landed on the Non-Football injury (NFI) list to start training camp. The NFI list is for players with injuries unrelated to football activities or injuries that happened outside of NFL activities. Pettis can be removed from the list at any point, and it sounds like that could be soon.
While Matt Eberflus remained mum about what Pettis is battling, he sounded confident about Pettis making a quick return from the NFI list. It could very well be similar to a Chase Claypool/PUP list appearance.
Head coach Matt Eberflus said WR Dante Pettis is likely to return quickly after starting off on the NFI list.
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) July 26, 2023
9
Darnell Mooney sounds off on Kmet extension
After Cole Kmet’s big contract extension, wide receiver Darnell Mooney fielded questions about the news after practice. Mooney is also part of that 2020 draft class, and he’s in a contract year.
While Mooney acknowledged he’d also like to get a contract extension, he was very happy for Kmet.
“I love Cole Kmet,” Mooney said. “Cole is my guy. I love playing with Cole. I talk to him after the game, before the game, in the huddle. I just love Cole.”
10
Chase Claypool says this is the biggest year of his life
Wide receiver Chase Claypool practiced for the first time since the first week of OTAs, and he hauled in a touchdown from quarterback Justin Fields during Wednesday’s workout.
Following a disappointing start to his Bears tenure after being traded mid-season, Claypool understands the importance of this year in the midst of a contract year.
“This is the biggest year of my life, and I understand that,” Claypool said. “If anyone thinks my work ethic isn’t matching that, they’re mistaken.”
Claypool has been the subject of criticism since the conclusion of the 2022 season, given the Bears traded what turned out to be the 32nd overall pick for his services. It didn’t help that he battled soft tissue issues during the offseason. Now, Claypool is back on the field and ready to prove himself.
11
Undrafted rookie Aron Cruickshank made an impressive play
Every summer there is a training camp and/or preseason darling that seems to emerge, and it sounds like we may have an early favorite. According to Kevin Fishbain, undrafted rookie wide receiver Aron Cruickshank made an impressive one-handed, diving catch in the corner of the endzone during one-on-one red zone drills, according to The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain.
Holy Crap that’s a Nice Catch by Aron Cruikshank.
I smell Bear Fan TC Hero 😂😂
— The Irish Bears Show (@IrishBearsShow) July 26, 2023
Cruickshank faces an uphill battle to earn a roster spot amid a crowded receivers room, where his best bet is landing a spot on the practice squad.
12
Eddie Jackson has established himself as a top leader
Bears safety Eddie Jackson has emerged as one of the team’s biggest leaders in the locker room. Look no further than the fact that Jackson was one of the top vote-getters for the team’s leadership council, according to Matt Eberflus, and it’s easy to see why.
“I just want to turn this thing around,” Jackson said Tuesday. “That’s the main goal. Year in, year out. New faces, new everything. I’m tired of the same old standard that the Bears have. Having the same everything, the same results in and out every year. We want to make it to the playoffs and eventually make it to the Super Bowl.”
#Bears HC Matt Eberflus saying that Eddie Jackson was one of the top vote-getters for the team's leadership council.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) July 26, 2023
