The Bears have plenty to prove. The good news for their fans? They’re eager to prove it.
This time last year, Chicago general manager Ryan Poles was trading away parts, most notably edge rusher Robert Quinn. This summer, on Thursday night, Poles added a pass rusher in Yannick Ngakoue, who despite being on his sixth team now has notched 65 career sacks.
By adding Ngakoue, the message is clear: The Bears intend to compete in the wide-open NFC North this season.
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“The [pass] rush stands out, first of all,” coach Matt Eberflus says. “To capture the edge, with his speed, but then also to have the strength and the length to level back. A lot of guys have that speed rush, but you’ve still got to be able to bore at the top and finish the rush. That’s an important piece, and he has that.”
The news of Ngakoue’s signing was sweet music to the ears of veteran safety Eddie Jackson. Jackson found out the news when second-year safety Jaquan Brisker sent him a text, linking to the story of the one-year, $10.5 million signing.
Now, between Ngakoue’s arrival and what he’s seen from the defense throughout the early goings of camp, Jackson couldn’t hide his smile during media availability after Friday’s practice.
“It’s fired up out there right now,” Jackson said. “It’s intense. Guys are locked in. It’s a whole different mindset compared to last year. You guys see it. Y’all out there watching practice. We’re on fire. We’re really out there, flying around. No one is complaining. Everyone is locked in, buying into it.”
Perhaps the mindset has been altered by new blood. Chicago spent lavishly in the offseason, using its league-high amount of cap space to sign linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, totaling $91.5 million. Furthermore, Poles fortified the front and back ends of the unit during the draft, spending picks on defensive tackles Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens, and corners Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith.
While the results remain uncertain, the belief is there. Now comes the work of turning potential into actual performance.
Best thing I saw: Brisker flying around. He was a menace throughout practice, coming up in run support while also taking away any route in his general vicinity.
However, one play stood out. On the first play of team periods, Brisker came on a well-designed blitz off the left side, blew past an occupied second-year left tackle in Braxton Jones and had an easy shot on quarterback Justin Fields before pulling up to avoid contact. The blitz was met with ample celebration, both from Brisker and his teammates.
It’s not surprising to see Brisker playing well after an encouraging rookie season. He’ll help form one of the league’s best safety tandems alongside Jackson.
Best thing I heard: Jackson wants Aaron Rodgers back in the NFC North. “I really do wish he was back on the Packers,” Jackson said. “We’re going to take it as it comes, but I really do wish. Because this year? It’s going to be scary, man.”
There’s confidence, and there’s crazy. Jackson might be crossing the line.
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Rookie who impressed: Tyler Scott, WR. We could have gone a litany of different ways here. The Bears had a group of rookies who showcased their skills during Friday morning’s practice, including Stevenson and Smith. Yet it was Scott who shone brightly during man-on-man drills in the red zone, using great footwork and quick hips to create immediate separation on multiple occasions.
At the University of Cincinnati, Scott saw limited action as a freshman before totaling 84 catches for 1,419 yards and 14 touchdowns over the following two years. At 5'10" and 185 pounds, Scott will need to use his route-running skills and Junior Olympic sprinter speed to win on a consistent basis at the next level.
While Scott is clearly behind Chase Claypool, DJ Moore and Darnell Mooney on the depth chart, he has a chance to contribute on special teams along with being a high-end option when injuries or spread sets present themselves.
Veteran who impressed: Claypool, WR. Claypool is going to be an important piece for the Bears, specifically in the red zone.
Chicago has a smaller group of receivers with Mooney (5'11", 173 pounds) and Moore (6'0", 210 pounds), making Claypool a key target inside the 20-yard line. On Friday, Claypool consistently used his frame to box out corners and, when needed, stretch out for a pass away from the defense. In man-on-man drills, he won on a variety of routes, including a nasty curl at the left front pylon for a score.
Last year, Claypool struggled after a midseason trade that sent him from Pittsburgh to Chicago, amassing 14 catches for 140 yards over seven games with the Bears. If Chicago’s offense is going to ascend, Claypool must produce.
Song of the day: “Nevada” by YoungBoy. The Bears had a nice mix going at practice, with some ’90s and current-day blended well. However, it was YoungBoy who got a few one-man dance parties going, led by Stevenson.
For a team high on enthusiasm, the hit seemed to bring out the energy. Of course, it was early on in practice before the team periods. That always helps.
