HC Matt Nagy poured some cold water on the idea of rookie QB Justin Fields starting on opening day when he insisted last week that QB Andy Dalton is the starter and that Fields cannot win the job to start the season. Was he being serious or just trying to lower the expectations and hype surrounding Fields? Who knows, but we'll see how things go in training camp. Dalton had his ups and downs in OTAs, including a three-INT day, but Nagy said last week during mandatory minicamp that Dalton has the offense down.

 

Fields' great deep ball and "rip your heart out" attitude (Nagy's words) stood out during OTAs and minicamp, but he still understandably has things to work on like footwork and calling plays in the huddle. Whenever he takes over the starting job, his deep balls will add a dimension that's been lacking in this offense for years. Fields said that Dalton has taken him under his wing and has been very helpful, which is obviously a positive.

 

RB David Montgomery said during OTAs that he feels he has untapped potential and wants to be a better leader. "I don't think I was vocal enough, and I don't think I left it all out on the field like I should have," Montgomery said. "I could have done better for my guys around me." Not exactly what you want to hear from your starting tailback, but I suppose the fact that he wants to get better is the important bit. He also said that he worked with a local speed coach to change his running mechanics and in turn improve his speed.

WR Allen Robinson skipped voluntary OTAs but showed up for mandatory minicamp last week. The deadline for him and the Bears to reach a long-term deal is July 15th, otherwise he'll play on the franchise tag. Robinson said he plans to show up at training camp on time and hopes to be more of a threat after the catch. According to the Chicago Tribune, A-Rob averaged only 3.6 yards after the catch last season, third-fewest amongst 1,000 yard receivers. Perhaps that is part of the reason why the Bears haven't offered him the money he's looking for yet.

 

Nagy said during OTAs that WR Darnell Mooney's combo of speed, route running, hands, passion, and commitment reminded him of Tyreek Hill and a young DeSean Jackson. That is obviously high praise, and the Bears will need Mooney to improve on his impressive rookie year and hopefully become a bona fide #2 receiver this season. Nagy also said he was impressed with WR Damiere Byrd's speed and playmaking ability. WR Marquise Goodwin, another burner, caught a couple of deep balls from Dalton during one minicamp practice. Unfortunately, rookie WR Dazz Newsome broke his collarbone while diving for a pass during OTAs earlier this month. The team hopes that he'll be back in time for the start of training camp.

 

TE Cole Kmet said during OTAs that with a season under his belt, he feels stronger, faster, and more confident. He also said that having OTAs (after not having them due to COVID last season) has helped a lot with getting his timing down with the quarterbacks. Nagy said that, much like Mooney, Kmet always wants to get better and his role will continue to expand.

 

While the offense had very good attendance during voluntary OTAs, LB Roquan Smith was the only notable member of the defense who showed up. Coming off a couple of somewhat disappointing seasons and with a new D-coordinator at the helm, it wasn't the best look for this unit. During mandatory minicamp last week, most of the starters showed up, but one notable absence was DT Eddie Goldman, who sat out 2020 due to COVID concerns. Nagy said that the absence was unexcused but that he expects Goldman to be at training camp. After this unit struggled to stop the run in Goldman's absence last year, the Bears really need him back in the middle of their D-line.

 

CB Jaylon Johnson said that he's fully healthy after his shoulder problems from last season and participated in all three days of minicamp. Second-year CB Kindle Vildor impressed at minicamp. Players like S Eddie Jackson and LB Danny Trevathan are excited about new D-coordinator Sean Desai, saying that he's emphasizing similar things that his mentor Vic Fangio did like disguising coverages. Trevathan said he feels that the defense is getting its swag back.

 

I'll be back for another report in July!

 

End.