Just one more sleep until I’m back in the flesh at camp tomorrow. But for now, here are some Friday highlights.
One of the most archaic things about the NFL has to do with the cloud of secrecy behind which everything is hidden. For example, beat reporters at practice can’t be tweeting play designs or video. And it leads to exchanges like this:
this tweet is currently being printed and put on a bulletin board in the 49ers' locker room. Way to go, Hoge.
But it also leads to tweets like this:
Justin Fields was 5 for 5 on his session with the ones, #Bears https://t.co/4xkA4MZnMI
Finished session perfect 10/10#DaBears https://t.co/FWx4ebjKlV pic.twitter.com/3apwSApIlm
A tip of the cap for creativity in working around the system. But more than that, it really feels like Fields is progressing in his developments.
Don’t get me wrong. There is still work to be done. Fields fired two interceptions today. Both went off receivers hands. And when receivers gets hands on balls, they’ll insist they should’ve caught ’em because that is what they believe in their hearts. So while I’m not one to go against them, better accuracy on the throws and we’re not talking about interceptions. But in the end, it is the growth — no matter how incremental — that matters most.
Jaquan Brisker detailing his INT in the red zone, says he was trying to show his disguise and saw Cole Kmet cross his face. The rookie safety took his eyes to Kmet's hips when he was getting ready to catch the ball and jumped in front of it to pick off Justin Fields' pass.
.@JaquanBrisker 'bout to be a PROBLEM 😈 pic.twitter.com/vlaRjmqd6m
Jaquan Brisker’s football IQ is on another level. And has shown a nose for the ball since he was ballin’ out at Penn State. Through offseason training and a handful of practices, Brisker has been looking like the the player pre-draft profiles were describing him to be. That doesn’t always happen. And it definitely doesn’t always show up early.
Oh … and Brisker wasn’t the only one putting in work to get picks:
First pass of team drills this morning goes off Byron Pringle’s hands and is a pick for Kyler Gordon.
On the one hand, I’m happy for Kyler Gordon. He is a key piece in this defensive puzzle. Not just because he was the first pick of the Ryan Poles era, but also because he figures to play multiple roles on the defense. However, on the other hand, seeing that the INT came off a deflected pass that went off Byron Pringle’s hands bugs me.
Pringle is supposed to be a starting receiver for this team. He is supposed to be a player who takes advantage of an uptick in playing time and makes the most out of newfound opportunities after leaving Kansas City. But if it turns out Pringle isn’t that player, then I hope the Bears quickly move onto someone who will cash in on the chances. Pringle can still contribute as a down-the-depth-chart receiver and core special teams player. However, the Bears (and their fans) expect more from a player the GM spoke highly of when signing.
Few players have as many motivational chips on their shoulders as David Montgomery. The Bears’ leading rusher is entering the final year of his rookie year, is seeking a multi-year deal to stick around, and is out to prove last year’s down year was a fluke. On top of that, Montgomery has a new motivational factor entering his life:
David Montgomery reveals he has a child on the way. Says he's excited to be a dad and preparing to be the best father he can. #Bears
New dad energy coming from RB1 totally means 1,500+ rushing yards, 500+ receiving yards, 10+ rushing & receiving touchdowns. That’s how this works. Don’t ask me to show my work either. Because that’s just what is bound to happen when you’ve got dad strength.
And if all else fails, few things brings the best out of a player like when they channel their inner Michael Jordan:
How does Bears RB David Montgomery avoid complacency? He says: –Remembers that he got no offers in HS –Remembers that he had "no money" as a kid –Remembers that he wasn't supposed to play as a freshman –Remembers that everyone passed on him in the draft
https://t.co/3TzTkxqYWQ pic.twitter.com/FZ2hTS2g4i
Montgomery figures to be an important key to the Bears’ offensive machine. Even if he splits time with Khalil Herbert and others, we know what Montgomery can do when given a load of carries. And we also have an idea what he can do in the open field with his tackle-breaking prowess. But what we *HAVEN’T* seen is Montgomery being properly deployed within a functional offense. Maybe we’ll see that with Luke Getsy’s scheme.
Justin Fields with a much shorter motion and quicker release than last year pic.twitter.com/2xwkECjG4T
.@justnfields' biggest fan 🥺 pic.twitter.com/35BLXpTvIT
OL combination of Jones, Thomas, Kramer, Carter and Borom struggling in 11 on 11. A few pressures given up. #Bears.
Charles Snowden just broke the blocking shed. DL going crazy right now
#Bears roster move: DL Sam Kamara has been removed from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Sorry if you were thinking it was someone else.
Luis Medina is a Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at@lcm1986.
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