Covering the Chicago Bears since 1995, I’ve seen numerous competitions and players come and go. From quarterbacks like Steve Walsh and Erik Kramer to kickers like Kevin Butler and Carlos Huerta, I’ve witnessed it all. We had a saying about not being fooled by false performances, referencing Eddie Murphy’s “banana in the tailpipe” from Beverly Hills Cop. Last Thursday, I fell for it.
I arrived at the first OTA practice open to the media, with high hopes fueled by Caleb Williams’ impressive performance against rookies and optimistic predictions. I anticipated a stellar show against Bears veterans and one of the NFL’s best secondaries. However, Williams struggled, with completions hard to come by, and sacks and near interceptions prevalent. It was a harsh reminder that developing a rookie quarterback involves growing pains, and expecting instant dominance was unrealistic.
Despite the disappointment, the Bears’ secondary showcased its strength, making Williams work for every yard and chirping with each mistake. This tough practice environment will prepare him for real games. Jaylon Johnson, fresh off a new contract, was particularly motivated, while Tyrique Stevenson showed potential for a breakout second year. Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon also promise to be defensive mainstays.
While the offense garners much attention, this secondary could be the team’s heart and soul. However, I wasn’t thrilled about the absences of Nate Davis and Velus Jones Jr. Davis needs to prove himself after a shaky 2023, while Jones, fighting for his football future, should maximize every opportunity to impress, especially with new kickoff rules potentially boosting his value. Yet, their absence might not be indicative of future performance, as media access is limited.
One standout is DJ Moore, who consistently demonstrates dedication. Even during optional workouts, he practiced diligently, setting an example for the team. His effort in a practice scenario to set up a game-winning field goal highlighted his commitment.
As we look forward to the next practice, I’ll remind myself to temper my fan expectations with the reality of the developmental process.
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