Bears Morning Report
Introduction to Training Camp
The Bears are holding their first practice in pads Monday morning, which will give coach Ben Johnson his first real look at the running game and the strength of his offensive and defensive lines. It’s their fifth practice of training camp.
Analyzing the Running Game
The team was 25th in rushing last season as the offensive line struggled and running back D’Andre Swift had a career-low 3.8 yards per carry. While the Bears didn’t change much at running back, bringing back Swift and Roschon Johnson in addition to drafting Kyle Monangai in the seventh round, they completely overhauled the interior of the offensive line. They replaced guards Teven Jenkins (often injured) and Nate Davis (often absent) and center Coleman Shelton (journeyman) with guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and center Drew Dalman.
New Additions to the Offensive Line
Thuney, Jackson and Dalman are under contract for $160.3 million over the next three seasons. This significant investment indicates the team’s commitment to improving their running game and overall offensive performance.
Updates on Player Injuries
The Bears also are getting rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, the No. 39 overall pick, on the practice field for the first time. He missed the first week recovering from a hamstring injury and likely will be limited Monday.
Conclusion
The first practice in pads marks a crucial milestone in the Bears’ training camp, offering valuable insights into the team’s running game and the effectiveness of their new offensive line. As the team moves forward, the performance of these key components will be closely watched, and their development will play a significant role in determining the Bears’ success in the upcoming season.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the Bears’ first practice in pads?
A: The first practice in pads allows Coach Ben Johnson to assess the team’s running game and the strength of the offensive and defensive lines in a more realistic game scenario.
Q: How did the Bears address their running game issues from last season?
A: The Bears overhauled their interior offensive line, replacing guards and the center with new signings, and drafted a new running back, Kyle Monangai, to complement their existing backs.
Q: What is the status of rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III?
A: Luther Burden III is expected to participate in practice for the first time after recovering from a hamstring injury, though his involvement may be limited.
