Wednesday was a rough one for the Chicago Bears offense. After stacking several productive practices to start training camp, they caught flatfooted in this one. The defense arrived with energy and attitude, pouncing on every mistake guys made. There were interceptions, tackles for a loss, sacks, and lots of trash-talking. After the carnage was over, quarterback Justin Fields admitted the defense won the day. The reason? He admitted that the offense didn’t have a lot of energy in practice. They couldn’t match the defense’s intensity. That needed to change if this retooled unit wanted to start earning respect.
Friday was their first opportunity. It wasn’t a padded practice, but that didn’t stop the offense from arriving with something to prove. Those in attendance noticed a change right away. Wide receivers were fighting for footballs and celebrating during big catches or touchdowns. Everybody upped their intensity. This led to several victories in both one-on-one and team drills. Chase Claypool led the way, catching touchdowns and not being afraid to rub it in the defense’s face.
Justin Fields welcomes the challenge presented by the defense.
One could argue he was almost happy about how Wednesday’s practice unfolded. Getting whipped by the defense gave him the opportunity to understand another potential weakness of his game. Darnell Mooney mentioned it on the same day. While Fields’ leadership is unquestioned, as is his commitment, he does have an annoying him of not being vocal enough motivating guys in the huddle. He gets so locked in on what he is supposed to do from play to play that it slips his mind. That can’t happen. Otherwise, you get sluggish performances from everybody.
It was a problem that followed the Bears offense last year too. The good news is Justin Fields is aware of it and was quick to challenge his teammates after that practice. He didn’t let the malaise fester. Everybody came back two days later with a purpose. They will have a chance to continue that when they resume padded practices. No doubt they’re anxious to impart a little physicality on the defense. A challenge will await them as the unit receives reinforcements in the form of veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue.
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