Alyssa Barbieri
June 5, 2024 4:43 pm CT
The Chicago Bears were back on the practice field at Halas Hall for mandatory minicamp on Wednesday, where they conducted the second of three practices this week, which are open to the media.
There were plenty of storylines that came out of Wednesday’s practice, where the offense continued to have its ups and downs but showed improvement during the two-minute drill, an area they struggled mightily on Tuesday. While rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had his struggles, he had arguably his best deep ball of the spring to a surprise name. Meanwhile, punter Tory Taylor stole the show and the interior offensive line is facing a couple of question marks heading into the summer.
Following the Bears’ second practice of minicamp, here’s what we learned:
1
Offense showed improvement in two-minute drill
Jun 5, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) smiles during the team’s minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears offense is in the midst of an important offseason where they’re transitioning to a rookie quarterback and a brand new offense from Shane Waldron, which means there are going to be some growing pains.
It was a mixed bag for the offense on Day 1, and it sounds like it was more of the same on Wednesday. While the offense struggled during 7-on-7, they were better during 11-on-11, according to Zack Pearson.
#Bears offense was better in 11 on 11s today than they were in 7 on 7s.
Keenan Allen was back out there and caught a few passes from Caleb Williams.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) June 5, 2024
While it was another up-and-down day for the offense, they showed improvement during the two-minute drill, which was an area where they notably struggled on Tuesday. The defense forced two three-and-outs during that practice.
According to Adam Jahns, the Bears offense finished Wednesday’s two-minute drill with a Cairo Santos field goal. On the drive, Williams completed passes for Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze and Roschon Johnson. But it also sounds like the pass rush was holding back.
Bears QB Caleb Williams and the offense did finish the two-minute drill with a FG by Cairo Santos. Roschon Johnson, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen all caught passes. But here’s an important note: the pass rush appeared to be purposely stopping after its first couple steps.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) June 5, 2024
2
Caleb Williams holding onto the ball too long
Jun 5, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during the team’s minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is making strides during his first NFL offseason, where he’s experienced his share of ups and downs. During Wednesday’s minicamp practice, he notably had some struggles during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11.
One of the observations this week has been Williams holding the ball too long, which head coach Matt Eberflus attributed to “sometimes it’s really good coverage.” In one of those instances, Williams was picked off by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds during 7-on-7 (although it’s worth noting he bounced back immediately on the next play. More on that below).
Top 3 Moments/Observations from a mostly quiet Day 2 Minicamp:
1-Caleb bomb to Velus Jones (came against second team defense)
2-Caleb lasers to DJ 15-yard out route, down the field to Odunze in traffic.
3-Caleb holding onto the ball too long / picked by Tremaine Edmunds.
— Mark Carman (@thecarm) June 5, 2024
Obviously, it’s something that Williams needs to clean up. But we’re early in the offseason, and his teammates have called him a fast learner. It’s also benefitting Williams going against what several offensive players have now called a top-five defense in the NFL.
3
Caleb Williams-Velus Jones Jr. connected for play of the day
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – MAY 23: Velus Jones Jr. #12 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill during OTAs at Halas Hall on May 23, 2023 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
As Williams gets acclimated and continues to test this Bears defense this offseason, he continues to flash his impressive potential, which includes his arm talent.
“I like him a lot,” cornerback Kyler Gordon said of Williams. “I think his arm talent shows immediately. He’s very poised.”
Williams’ biggest throw of Wednesday’s practice was when he connected with wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. in stride for an impressive deep touchdown, with cornerback Terell Smith in coverage, during 7-on-7. Sean Hammond said it was the “best deep ball we’ve seen from Williams all spring.”
Caleb Williams unleashed a perfect deep ball for Velus Jones Jr. during 7-on-7. He hit Jones in stride for a touchdown. Easily the best deep ball we’ve seen from Williams all spring.
— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) June 5, 2024
Even more impressive? The play came right after he threw an interception to linebacker Tremaine Edmunds during 7-on-7.
4
Interior offensive line question marks heading into training camp
Mar 16, 2023; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Nate Davis speaks during a press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears are facing more questions along the interior offensive line that extends beyond just center, which is an ongoing battle between Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton.
Guard Nate Davis was back at practice, in limited capacity, on Wednesday as he ramps up after missing OTAs. So far during minicamp, Davis, Bates and Matt Pryor have split reps at right guard. While it does provide and opportunity for flexibility along the offensive line, Davis was paid $30 million to be the team’s starting right guard last offseason.
Eberflus said the expectation is Davis will be the team’s starting right guard and believes he’ll be ready to go for training camp. But he sounded unsure about how right guard and center could ultimately shake out — although he did discuss the importance of flexibility along the interior.
“Yeah, don’t know yet,” Eberflus said. “I really don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll see how it goes. I’m just thinking through my head a bunch of multiple combinations. I really don’t know exactly. Sure, we had Bates there. He’s played there. Shelton has played at center, of course. Davis has played there. (Teven Jenkins) has been on the other side. Pryor has been in and been out. The versatility there has certainly been helpful. Ryan (Poles) did a really good job of having those pieces in there so we don’t like last year or prior years, you know, a guy goes down and we’re like, ‘Oh, what are we going to do?’ At least we have that flexibility at the O-line position.”
At this point, it sounds like the only positions guaranteed along the offensive line are left tackle Braxton Jones, left guard Teven Jenkins and right tackle Darnell Wright.
5
Tory Taylor stole the show on Day 2
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – MAY 10: Tory Taylor #19 of the Chicago Bears punts during Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall on May 10, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Rookie punter Tory Taylor is quickly becoming a fan-favorite player — and a scene stealer, which is impressive for a specialist.
Just one day after booting an impressive punt, Taylor impressed during Wednesday’s practice, where he downed four punts inside the 5-yard line and three more punts inside the 10-yard line during what was a windy day at Halas Hall, per Herb Howard.
No doubt. He put on an absolute clinic. Had 4 punts downed inside the 5, including one he bounced out at the 1yd line and another that was caught in the air by the coverage team at the 1yd line. He had an additional 3 punts downed inside the 10. And it was a windy day at Halas.… https://t.co/tKHwKU8rqL
— Herb Howard (@HerbHoward411) June 5, 2024
While fans won’t want to see too much of Taylor during the season (as they’d rather see Caleb Williams leading the offense to scores), it’s good to know that Chicago has a true weapon in Taylor, who’s already proving he can flip the field at the pro level (even if we’re only talking about practice).
6
No contract offer currently on the table for Teven Jenkins
May 31, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Teven Jenkins (76) runs during organized team activities at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Teven Jenkins has been arguably the best offensive lineman on the Bears over the past couple of seasons. Entering a contract year, Jenkins will need to prove he can be a reliable option moving forward.
Jenkins told the media that his representation reached out to the team about a contract extension but his future in Chicago is “up in the air.”
“Nothing is on the table right now,” Jenkins said of a new deal.
For Jenkins, the key will be staying healthy (something he hasn’t done so far in his career) and proving he can be a reliable option moving forward. That’s Jenkins’ goal heading into 2024.
“Stay healthy,” he said. “Get the whole 17 games and continue my strong play from last year and be a more consistent, reliable guy.”
If Jenkins can remain available and continue to solidify himself as one of the team’s best offensive linemen, there should be a contract offer on the table from Chicago.
7
Defense aiming to get more turnovers
Jun 5, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) looks on during the team’s minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears defense is building something special, as evidenced by how their offensive teammates have raved about them after just two minicamp practices. Several players, including veteran wideout Keenan Allen and left guard Teven Jenkins, have called them a “top 5” defense in the NFL.
For cornerback Kyler Gordon, he’s just ready to get on the field with his teammates and show what they’ve been building.
“I definitely feel a lot from that defense as far as chemistry, energy and just the type of timing that we’re on,” Gordon said. “So, for all of us to be on the same page and a step further than last year, I picture a lot of things for us in the future.”
Gordon said one of the goals for the defense this season is to force more turnovers, something that was big in their late-season dominance to close out the 2023 season. If they can get off to a fast start and carry that throughout the season, they’re going to be a tough group to go against.
8
Jaylon Johnson motivated after big extension
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JUNE 15: Jaylon Johnson #33 of the Chicago Bears talks with head coach Matt Eberflus during minicamp at Halas Hall on June 15, 2023 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775989679 ORIG FILE ID: 1498748871
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson received a well-deserved pay day this offseason. Johnson, a former second-round pick in 2020, is coming off a career year with Chicago, where he set a career-high four interceptions, 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 14 games while also emerging as a top cover cornerback in the NFL. Johnson earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods for his impressive 2023 campaign.
The reward was a lucrative four-year, $76 million deal, with $54.4 million guaranteed, for a cornerstone on the Bears defense. Now that Johnson has gotten paid, he’s set his sights on “being the best corner in the league.”
Johnson is certainly well on his way there, as he established himself as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks in just 14 games last season — and that included during Chicago’s slow defensive start. Now with a loaded secondary, Montez Sweat up front and Year 3 in Matt Eberflus’ defense, the sky is the limit.
9
Attendance report
May 23, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) warms up during organized team activities at Halas Hall Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears once again had perfect attendance at minicamp, although there were some players who were sidelined for Wednesday’s practice. That included tight end Cole Kmet and left tackle Braxton Jones, who were both held out for “precautionary” reasons, per head coach Matt Eberflus. He wants both ready to go for training camp this summer, so there’s no need to push them during minicamp.
