The Bears Training Camp and Preseason Thread

[cubweiser03]

The offseason is almost over. Friday July 27 is the start of Training Camp for the reigning NFC Champion Chicago Bears. There are a few position battles set to take place as well as many other players to follow. Here are a few:

 

LB: Jamar Williams/Mike Okwo. A lot of eyes will be on these 2 guys with the Briggs situation yet to be resolved.

DT: Dusty Dvoracek/Anthony Adams

WR: Devin Hester.

TE: Greg Olsen

QB: Grossman

DE: Mark Anderson/Alex Brown

CB: Danieal Manning

S:Mike Brown and AA

DE: Bazuin (when he signs)

 

Bernard Berrian and Mark Anderson had great training camps in 2006. Will any player make the leap that these 2 guys did last year in this years training camp? There doesnt appear to be as many position battles as last year or 'coming of age's' but it should be interesting nonetheless.

 

Preseason Schedule: (all games at 7:00CT)

8/11-@Texans

8/20-@Colts

8/25-49ers

8/30-Browns

[Soul]

A couple other players to watch:

 

RB: Garrett Wolfe. Is he just too small or will his speed and quickness make him a suprise pickup? I think we'll find out after about 2 weeks; if he starts pulling up with nagging injuries he's in trouble.

 

OG: Josh Beekman. With our aging line, Beekman needs to develop into a solid option.

[pitchcs]

I think we will hear raves about both Hester and Olsen. I think the rookie surprise will be Josh Beekman; it seems like BC always does a real good job of preparing their OLmen to step in soon at this level.

 

On defense I hope to see Danieal Manning break out a bit. I also hope to see a big jump out of Antonio Garay (DT) and continued improvement from Idonije.

 

Watch for the names Kevin Payne (S) and David Ball (WR), because those 2 just might make the team as sleepers.

 

Cedric staying healthy is key #1

[rawaction]

I think we will hear raves about both Hester and Olsen. I think the rookie surprise will be Josh Beekman; it seems like BC always does a real good job of preparing their OLmen to step in soon at this level.

 

On defense I hope to see Danieal Manning break out a bit. I also hope to see a big jump out of Antonio Garay (DT) and continued improvement from Idonije.

 

Watch for the names Kevin Payne (S) and David Ball (WR), because those 2 just might make the team as sleepers.

 

Cedric staying healthy is key #1

 

Nice sleeper picks. I agree with you on the BC player thing. I've gotten that impression too. Defensive depth may be the biggest difference between this year and last year (especially at DT and OLB, if Briggs doesn't play). A handful of young guys really have to step up.

[David]

I thought Mark Anderson missed last year's training camp.

[Soriano12]

I thought Mark Anderson missed last year's training camp.

 

He did, and was almost placed on IR. What a mistake that would have been.

[David]

I thought Mark Anderson missed last year's training camp.

 

He did, and was almost placed on IR. What a mistake that would have been.

 

Yea, I was just responding to the OP saying that Anderson impressed in camp last year.

 

And yes, it would've been a huge mistake. Just like IRing Dusty probably wound up being.

[Soriano12]

I'm hoping Alex "The Contract" Brown gets axed this TC.

[pitchcs]

I think we will hear raves about both Hester and Olsen. I think the rookie surprise will be Josh Beekman; it seems like BC always does a real good job of preparing their OLmen to step in soon at this level.

 

On defense I hope to see Danieal Manning break out a bit. I also hope to see a big jump out of Antonio Garay (DT) and continued improvement from Idonije.

 

Watch for the names Kevin Payne (S) and David Ball (WR), because those 2 just might make the team as sleepers.

 

Cedric staying healthy is key #1

 

Nice sleeper picks. I agree with you on the BC player thing. I've gotten that impression too. Defensive depth may be the biggest difference between this year and last year (especially at DT and OLB, if Briggs doesn't play). A handful of young guys really have to step up.

 

 

LB is obviously our biggest issue. Okwo or Williams really have to step up.

 

But, I think that DT (barring injuries) is pretty solid for us. Tommie is obviously a monster, Dusty and Anthony Adams should be comparable to Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone and Antonio Garay is an asset as a #4 DT. He is very underrated.

 

And let's not forget that Idonije and Alex Brown can move inside if necessary.

 

Our DB depth is just plain sick.

[RynoRules]

I'm hoping Alex "The Contract" Brown gets axed this TC.

 

That's the problem - neither he or Adewale are earning their money.

[rawaction]

I think we will hear raves about both Hester and Olsen. I think the rookie surprise will be Josh Beekman; it seems like BC always does a real good job of preparing their OLmen to step in soon at this level.

 

On defense I hope to see Danieal Manning break out a bit. I also hope to see a big jump out of Antonio Garay (DT) and continued improvement from Idonije.

 

Watch for the names Kevin Payne (S) and David Ball (WR), because those 2 just might make the team as sleepers.

 

Cedric staying healthy is key #1

 

Nice sleeper picks. I agree with you on the BC player thing. I've gotten that impression too. Defensive depth may be the biggest difference between this year and last year (especially at DT and OLB, if Briggs doesn't play). A handful of young guys really have to step up.

 

 

LB is obviously our biggest issue. Okwo or Williams really have to step up.

 

But, I think that DT (barring injuries) is pretty solid for us. Tommie is obviously a monster, Dusty and Anthony Adams should be comparable to Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone and Antonio Garay is an asset as a #4 DT. He is very underrated.

 

And let's not forget that Idonije and Alex Brown can move inside if necessary.

 

Our DB depth is just plain sick.

 

I do think people are making a bigger deal out of the DT depth than it is. However, 2 of the 4 counted on in the rotation missed significant time. The DB depth is nice, but as we know Mike Brown is prone to injury. Both CBs missed time last year, and I believe Archuleta has missed time in the past.

[rawaction]

I'm hoping Alex "The Contract" Brown gets axed this TC.

 

That's the problem - neither he or Adewale are earning their money.

 

I'm really hoping a healthy Tommie Harris and fierce competition will bring the best out of Alex and Wale. Both are very good players. The reason the Bears D struggled at the end of last year was because they weren't getting consistent pressure w/ the front 4. Hopefully the DTs can take up 3-4 blockers on passing downs leaving the ends 1 on 1 on the outside more often.

[Soul]

I'm hoping Alex "The Contract" Brown gets axed this TC.

 

That's the problem - neither he or Adewale are earning their money.

 

I'm really hoping a healthy Tommie Harris and fierce competition will bring the best out of Alex and Wale. Both are very good players. The reason the Bears D struggled at the end of last year was because they weren't getting consistent pressure w/ the front 4. Hopefully the DTs can take up 3-4 blockers on passing downs leaving the ends 1 on 1 on the outside more often.

 

We'll see, I'm suprised to hear this much positive talk about Adams; I thought he was a disappointment @ SF which was why they let him go. I must've misread that whole deal.

 

In my delusional world Mike Brown stays healthy, which gives our D its edge back, and DT turns out to be not a huge issue. Hey, I can dream can't I? 8-)

[pitchcs]

I'm hoping Alex "The Contract" Brown gets axed this TC.

 

That's the problem - neither he or Adewale are earning their money.

 

I'm really hoping a healthy Tommie Harris and fierce competition will bring the best out of Alex and Wale. Both are very good players. The reason the Bears D struggled at the end of last year was because they weren't getting consistent pressure w/ the front 4. Hopefully the DTs can take up 3-4 blockers on passing downs leaving the ends 1 on 1 on the outside more often.

 

We'll see, I'm suprised to hear this much positive talk about Adams; I thought he was a disappointment @ SF which was why they let him go. I must've misread that whole deal.

 

In my delusional world Mike Brown stays healthy, which gives our D its edge back, and DT turns out to be not a huge issue. Hey, I can dream can't I? 8-)

 

 

I don't think Adams has a huge contingent of fans or anything, but I definitely think that he will be serviceable when placed around other great defenders in a great scheme (i.e Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone).

[rawaction]

I'm hoping Alex "The Contract" Brown gets axed this TC.

 

That's the problem - neither he or Adewale are earning their money.

 

I'm really hoping a healthy Tommie Harris and fierce competition will bring the best out of Alex and Wale. Both are very good players. The reason the Bears D struggled at the end of last year was because they weren't getting consistent pressure w/ the front 4. Hopefully the DTs can take up 3-4 blockers on passing downs leaving the ends 1 on 1 on the outside more often.

 

We'll see, I'm suprised to hear this much positive talk about Adams; I thought he was a disappointment @ SF which was why they let him go. I must've misread that whole deal.

 

In my delusional world Mike Brown stays healthy, which gives our D its edge back, and DT turns out to be not a huge issue. Hey, I can dream can't I? 8-)

 

 

I don't think Adams has a huge contingent of fans or anything, but I definitely think that he will be serviceable when placed around other great defenders in a great scheme (i.e Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone).

 

Adams has definitely underachieved. But as stated above, most people think he can shine in the Bears scheme with great players around him on the D-line. He'll be better than Scott (and I liked him) and better than Tank was last year.

[pitchcs]

I'm hoping Alex "The Contract" Brown gets axed this TC.

 

That's the problem - neither he or Adewale are earning their money.

 

I'm really hoping a healthy Tommie Harris and fierce competition will bring the best out of Alex and Wale. Both are very good players. The reason the Bears D struggled at the end of last year was because they weren't getting consistent pressure w/ the front 4. Hopefully the DTs can take up 3-4 blockers on passing downs leaving the ends 1 on 1 on the outside more often.

 

We'll see, I'm suprised to hear this much positive talk about Adams; I thought he was a disappointment @ SF which was why they let him go. I must've misread that whole deal.

 

In my delusional world Mike Brown stays healthy, which gives our D its edge back, and DT turns out to be not a huge issue. Hey, I can dream can't I? 8-)

 

 

I don't think Adams has a huge contingent of fans or anything, but I definitely think that he will be serviceable when placed around other great defenders in a great scheme (i.e Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone).

 

Adams has definitely underachieved. But as stated above, most people think he can shine in the Bears scheme with great players around him on the D-line. He'll be better than Scott (and I liked him) and better than Tank was last year.

 

Then that would please me.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm seriously pumped for this season.

 

The fact that everybody is selling this team short is probably a good sign, in my estimation, because the crowd is always such an awful judge of reality on topics such as sports teams poised for an upswing or downfall. Typically they predict either far too soon, or far too late the fate of a team. The Bears may have trouble maintaining greatness in 2008 and beyond. But for 2007, I think they are easily the class of the NFC again. I would not be the least bit surprised with a 14-2 season. Although I'm thinking more like 11 or 12 wins myself.

 

This team plays well with a chip on its shoulder and a feeling of needing to prove something. If Grossman only improves slightly, this team could be on the verge of a truly legendary season. I don't see anyway that Benson fails to be better than Jones, barring injury. Nothing is a lock in a sport as physically demanding as football, but I like the Bears chances.

[rawaction]

I'm seriously pumped for this season.

 

The fact that everybody is selling this team short is probably a good sign, in my estimation, because the crowd is always such an awful judge of reality on topics such as sports teams poised for an upswing or downfall. Typically they predict either far too soon, or far too late the fate of a team. The Bears may have trouble maintaining greatness in 2008 and beyond. But for 2007, I think they are easily the class of the NFC again. I would not be the least bit surprised with a 14-2 season. Although I'm thinking more like 11 or 12 wins myself.

 

This team plays well with a chip on its shoulder and a feeling of needing to prove something. If Grossman only improves slightly, this team could be on the verge of a truly legendary season. I don't see anyway that Benson fails to be better than Jones, barring injury. Nothing is a lock in a sport as physically demanding as football, but I like the Bears chances.

 

Me too. Grossman does have to improve his overall numbers, but he has shown he can do it. It's not like he was putting up a 70 passer rating every game. He put up 10 games over 85. While the better competition this year, probably won't lead to as many great games this year, if he can eliminate the blowup games, he's a top 10 QB in the league. I don't know how to calculate QB rating, but I'd imagine if you take out the GB game and the Cards game and make them average, you'd already have Grossman in the top 10 QBs.

[pitchcs]

I'm seriously pumped for this season.

 

The fact that everybody is selling this team short is probably a good sign, in my estimation, because the crowd is always such an awful judge of reality on topics such as sports teams poised for an upswing or downfall. Typically they predict either far too soon, or far too late the fate of a team. The Bears may have trouble maintaining greatness in 2008 and beyond. But for 2007, I think they are easily the class of the NFC again. I would not be the least bit surprised with a 14-2 season. Although I'm thinking more like 11 or 12 wins myself.

 

This team plays well with a chip on its shoulder and a feeling of needing to prove something. If Grossman only improves slightly, this team could be on the verge of a truly legendary season. I don't see anyway that Benson fails to be better than Jones, barring injury. Nothing is a lock in a sport as physically demanding as football, but I like the Bears chances.

 

 

Yeah, the schedule just won't allow for 13-14 wins I don't think. Luckily we get Chiefs, Cowboys & Broncos at home as those are mighty tough places to play on the road.

 

Unfortunately, we still have to go to Philly, Washington, Seattle and San Diego.

 

As training camp opens today, who do you see as a veteran being cut?

[Banedon]

The Bears are about the only thing that could distract me from the Cubs right now with the way they are playing...

 

I really can't wait for football season.

[Soul]

I must say, as much as the media continues to dog this team, there could be a significant upside. If it keeps us hungry, and with a large chip on our shoulder, then I'll take it.

 

I don't remember the other Super Bowl losing teams getting raked over the coals like this. It was celebration time for them. If being lambasted by everyone gives us an edge, then bring it on.

 

Position by position, I don't see how this year's Bear team is any worse than last year's. There actually could be significant upgrades here & there. As usual, it all comes down to health.

[jersey cubs fan]

I don't remember the other Super Bowl losing teams getting raked over the coals like this.

 

The whole "losing super bowl team struggles" theory is very weak in my opinion.

 

Seattle came back and made the playoffs.

Philly had already been pressing it's luck with the whole 4-6 year window of opportunity thing that teams tend to follow. They'd been on the verge for so long that it was almost inevitable they'd suffer a setback.

The Panthers were a bit of a surprise team making the Super Bowl, and they did miss the playoffs, but bounced right back the next year.

Oakland was an old team on the verge of breaking down anyway, and they probably never should have made the playoffs.

The Rams had been around for quite a while when they lost after the 2001 season. They were also an offensively minded team in the middle of an offensive turnover, going from Warner to Bulger.

 

I really don't see the Bears being similar to any of those teams. An injury could change things, but they are a very good team probably right in the middle of their window of opportunity.

 

They have steadily improved under the Angelo/Smith regime, and are probably poised to have their best year this season.

[pitchcs]

Yep, I agree. This year's team is better than last, barring major injuries of course.

[Jon]

My main fear is the offensive line going to hell. If they can relatively healthy and not show their age, it's going to be a fun season.

[NCCubFan]

The Panthers were a bit of a surprise team making the Super Bowl, and they did miss the playoffs, but bounced right back the next year.

And the collapse that year was due to injuries (Steve Smith out all year, 3 or 4 halfbacks out) rather that a Super Bowl letdown. They started something like 1-7 but rallied to finish 7-9 and were in playoff contention until losing the last game of the season.