Training camp thread. First practice is 2:30 p.m. Thursday

[fleet]

Bears training camp primer
First practice is 2:30 p.m. Thursday


6:05 p.m. CDT, July 23, 2012

The Bears will open their 11th summer training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill., with the first practice at 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

It is the first of 15 practices that will be open to the public through Aug. 16.

Gates open one hour before the start of practices and parking is free. Tailgating is permitted in the parking lots but keep in mind ONU is an alcohol- and tobacco-free campus.

There isn't much shade around the practice fields so plan accordingly with sun block. Family Night will be held Monday, Aug. 13 at Soldier Field, with a fireworks show following practice.

July 23, 2012
Bears Web site to offer comprehensive camp coverage

Last Updated: 7/23/2012 7:51 PM

Beginning Tuesday when players start arriving at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, ChicagoBears.com will provide unparalleled coverage of Bears training camp.

Senior writer Larry Mayer will post the latest news around the clock as well as features covering every storyline and position battle.

On Tuesday, general manager Phil Emery is slated to speak with the media at 2:30 p.m., followed by coach Lovie Smith at 3 p.m.

Training camp officially kicks off Wednesday with the first practice slated for Thursday at 2:30 p.m.

Through Twitter (@ChicagoBears), Larry will give fans unprecedented access to the Bears—on the practice field, inside the locker room and even on the team plane—with real-time news, nuggets and information they can’t get anywhere else.
New videos will be posted continuously during camp, including training camp reports, highlights, post-practice interviews and player profiles.

Beyond news and videos, ChicagoBears.com will also have daily photo galleries and enable fans to interact and discuss issues concerning the Bears on Facebook.

Oh Boy is this great! And this year we have added the potential Jenny McCarthy and Kristin Cavallari catfight

[BIGGIEsmalls 23]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqFf-0eROUA[/youtube]

[fleet]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/fo ... 5246.story

Back in action: Brian Urlacher returned to full practice for the first time since suffering ligament damage in his left knee in last season's finale. The linebacker participated in the entire session, as promised, and wore a knee brace.

"My knee felt fine before and after practice,'' Urlacher said. "The brace is different just because I never had worn one.''

Johnny Knox, who was placed on the active physically-unable to perform list as he recovers from spinal fusion surgery, was the only player held out of practice. Toeaina had full participation despite having his right hand heavily taped. Toeaina suffered a broken hand during offseason workouts and expects to have the cast removed Friday.

Extra points: Rookie tight end Evan Rodriguez made some solid catches. He admitted he struggled during minicamp. … D.J. Moore intercepted a pass in front of rookie receiver Alshon Jeffery during drills. … Both Jeffery and running back Kahlil Bell had fumbles. … Rookie defensive end Shea McClellin showed a nice burst while pressuring backup quarterback Jason Campbell during full-team drills.

By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter
6:21 p.m. CDT, July 26, 2012

Bears receivers coach Darryl Drake refused to sugarcoat the dropped passes by Brandon Marshall during Thursday’s first day of training camp.

"He’s still trying to get used to it, but he understands and knows that that’s something that we’ve got to work on," Drake said. "We can’t drop the football. I expect him to make those non-routine catches. And he expects to make him. I’m going to be tough on him when he doesn’t."

It was somewhat of a tough day for the offense in general, although that is to be the expected this early in camp with so many new faces. Rookie receiver Alshon Jeffery and running back Kahlil Bell had fumbles.

Quarterback Jay Cutler has some miscommunication at times with Marshall and was picked off by D.J. Moore. Cutler made up for it with some extremely difficult short passes in tight spaces.

The guy who appeared to be the most consistent Thursday, at least in terms of catching the ball, was rookie tight end Evan Rodriguez, who struggled during minicamp.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/fo ... 1357.story

On a positive note, Matt Forte looked stronger and faster than ever while backup quarterback Jason Campbell displayed a starter’s arm. J’Marcus Webb saw most of the reps at first-team left tackle over Chris Williams, while Gabe Carimi got his repaired knee tested by a blazing quick pass rush from Julius Peppers.

Defensively, Brian Urlacher wore his brace to protect the left knee he injured at the end of last season. Urlacher practiced without restriction, as promised. Defensive tackle Matt Toeaina played with his right hand wrapped and in a cast. He broke the hand during offseason workouts and is expected to have the cast removed tomorrow.

Both starting safeties, Major Wright and Chris Conte, seemed to have improved in terms of breaking toward the ball and overall communication. And rookie defensive end Shea McClellin, who worked primarily with the third team, showed a nice speed burst while pressuring Campbell during full-team drills.

vxmcclure@tribune.com

[fleet]

http://beargoggleson.com/2012/07/26/chi ... -notebook/

The Bears made a trade, picking up defensive tackle Brian Price for a 7th rounder next season. Price is very rough around the edges and seems to need a fresh start. Phil Emery continues his gambling ways. If this one pays off, he’ll get a 2nd round talent for a song.

The offense was notably behind the defense in the first practice. There were dropped passes, most notably some by Brandon Marshall. Neither of these should come as a surprise, but there’s no need to panic.

Kahlil Bell was the first player to put the ball on the ground, picking up right where he left off last season. Not good for someone trying to compete for that 3rd running back job.

No pads just yet, so the Chris Williams vs J’Marcus Webb battle will have to wait until Saturday before we really get to see what’s going on. J’Webb got to run with the 1′s.

Rookie Shea McClellin was getting reps with the third string defense. Welcome to the NFL, rook!

Speaking of rookies, Evan Rodriguez drew favorable reviews, coming to camp in better shape than OTA’s.

Rookies, part 3 – Alshon Jeffery may have had some weight issues in college, but he apparently looks lanky and has made strides since OTA’s. He added a fumble of his own. Growing pains.

Recovering Bears Brian Urlacher and Gabe Carimi were full go for the first day of practice. Let’s see how they do on the second day of practice. Matt Toeaina practiced with his hand wrapped in a cast.

Matt Forte looked sharp in his first work with the team since he was injured last season. Glad to see him in camp and no drama for a change. What #hashtag are tweeters going to use for him this season? #Paidforte??

[fleet]

http://www.csnchicago.com/football-chic ... edID=10330

Rookie Alshon Jeffery failed to drive hard and sell a fake against nickel back D.J. Moore, who easily made the camp’s first interception.

But Jeffery responded to a sharp talking-to from Drake and proceeded to display the hands on difficult catches that led the Bears to have him as their priority in the second round of this year’s draft.

"I thought for the first day he did a really good job," Drake said. "Really did a good job of coming out of his breaks. He's got a big body.

"When he learns to use that big body consistently, then he'll really be a force to reckon with. But I was pleased with his effort and the way he came out and competed."

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/p ... nds-hester

Hester and Brandon Marshall lined up as the top two receivers during the Bears first training camp practice on Thursday.

[fleet]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/fo ... 2325.story

Bears rookie Rodriguez impresses

By Vaughn McClure
Tribune reporter
8:10 a.m. CDT, July 27, 2012

Evan Rodriguez did his best Brandon impersonation Thursday: Brandon Marshall, not Manumaleuna.
Rodriguez, the rookie fourth-round draft pick from Temple, looked rather sure-handed while hauling in passes down the seam. He was as impressive as any rookie on the field on a rough first day of camp – at least for the offense.

``That’s my job,’’ Rodriguez said of catching the ball. ``It was exciting to be out there some with the first team. Just being on the field in general, right now it’s a learning process for me. I’m coming along slowly, but today was the first step. Tomorrow’s a new day.’’

Rodriguez, who admitted struggling miserably during minicamp, was wise to temper his enthusiasm. As promising as he looked Thursday behind Kellen Davis and Matt Spaeth, viewpoints could change if he stumbles during Friday’s afternoon practice. That’s why it’s important not to read too much into performances in the early stages of camp – like Marshall dropping a few balls or rookie receiver Alshon Jeffery fumbling after the catch.

Speaking of Jeffery, he was solid, outside of the fumble. At 6-foot-3, 216 pounds, he looked rather fluid.

``Thought he had a good day,’’ receiver coach Darryl Drake said of Jeffery. ``For everybody, there’s room for improvement. But I thought, for the first day, he did a good job. He’s really doing a good job of coming out of his breaks. He’s got a big body. As he learns to use that body consistently, then he’ll be a force to reckon with.’’

Defensive end Shea McClellin, the Bears’ first-round pick, was eased into the defense on Day 1. He spent most of the day observing behind fellow defensive ends Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Corey Wootton, and Chauncey Davis. McClellin did show a quick burst of speed while putting pressure on Jason Campbell during full-team drills. It will be interesting to see how much action McClellin gets against the first-team offense when the Bears put on the pads Saturday night.

Brandon Hardin, the third-round pick, played free safety alongside strong safety Craig Steltz with the second unit. Based on his body alone, Hardin looks like he could be a physical presence in the secondary.

Seventh-round pick Greg McCoy, a cornerback, fielded a few punts during special teams drills. And sixth-round pick Isaiah Frey, also a cornerback, has caught the eye of his veteran defensive teammates.

vxmcclure@tribune.com

Twitter@vxmcclure23

[fleet]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football ... -well.html

Paea impresses

Marinelli, meanwhile, was impressed with another defensive tackle. Stephen Paea, he said, has grown since he was ­selected in the second round last year.

“I really believe in him right now,” Marinelli said. “He’s really got really good quickness, he’s healthy, he’s really healthy right now, and he looks extremely fast.

“Once we get the pads on, that’s when we really see how much we’ve grown there.”

Notes

Chris Williams took the bulk of the first-team snaps at left tackle Friday.

◆ Defensive backs coach Jon Hoke said the team is “excited” about where rookie cornerback Isaiah Frey is at this point.

◆ Marinelli said the coaches will be smart with how much veteran players will practice during the preseason. “It’s a veteran-friendly camp,” he said.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/ ... ears-day-2

CampTour'12: Bears Day 2
July, 27, 2012

7:15
PM ET
By Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Let's roll through some thoughts and observations after watching the Chicago Bears' second training-camp practice:

One of the prettiest plays in 1-on-1 drills came when receiver Earl Bennett hauled in a long pass down the right sideline from quarterback Jay Cutler. Bennett used some crafty veteran contact with his left arm to keep cornerback Kelvin Hayden at bay.
After fans cheered Bennett's catch, cornerback Tim Jennings turned to the crowd and said: "Hey, we [cornerbacks] play for you guys, too." Jennings drew a laugh.

The Bears' three-receiver set has been pretty consistent: Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester and Bennett usually in the slot. When Hester was shaken up briefly during team drills, rookie Alshon Jeffery replaced him on the outside. So that gives you a clear sense of the depth chart as it stands now. If the Bears keep veterans Devin Thomas and Eric Weems for special-teams purposes, and that is quite possible, it will be difficult for 2011 slot receiver Dane Sanzenbacher to make the team.

Special-teams coordinator Dave Toub put out some interesting lineups during kickoff-return drills. Bennett was among those manning a front-line position. Two others were rookies, safety Brandon Hardin and tight end Evan Rodriguez. Historically, it's fair to make assumptions about a young player's chances to make the team based on his standing on special teams. In other words, it's looking good very early for Rodriguez, especially. Hardin was already a lock to make the team.

We didn't see new defensive tackle Brian Price on Friday, a day after the Bears acquired him in a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, because his physical was not complete. The Bears indicated that should happen Saturday. According to the collective bargaining agreement, however, Price must ease into training camp with three unpadded practices before he can join the team fully. So it will be a bit of time before Price is up to speed.

For those interested in such things, during team drills, it was quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates who relayed plays via radio to Cutler. Bates stood next to offensive coordinator Mike Tice during the process.

In person, running back Michael Bush proved to be a much bigger dude than I thought he was. The Bears list him at 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, but when you see him in a T-shirt on rather than a jersey, you could easily mistake him for a linebacker or even a small defensive end.

The Bears' first full-pads practice is scheduled for Saturday night. I won't miss it.

[BIGGIEsmalls 23]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/14044569-606/rod-marinelli-says-newly-acquired-brian-price-should-fit-in-well.html

Paea impresses

Marinelli, meanwhile, was impressed with another defensive tackle. Stephen Paea, he said, has grown since he was ­selected in the second round last year.

“I really believe in him right now,” Marinelli said. “He’s really got really good quickness, he’s healthy, he’s really healthy right now, and he looks extremely fast.

“Once we get the pads on, that’s when we really see how much we’ve grown there.”

Notes

Chris Williams took the bulk of the first-team snaps at left tackle Friday.

◆ Defensive backs coach Jon Hoke said the team is “excited” about where rookie cornerback Isaiah Frey is at this point.

◆ Marinelli said the coaches will be smart with how much veteran players will practice during the preseason. “It’s a veteran-friendly camp,” he said.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/ ... ears-day-2

The two underlined portions are extremely important to our success this season. Very good news, IMO.

[BIGGIEsmalls 23]

Over the weekend, the Chicago Bears held one of their first full-contact workouts of the 2012 training camp in Bourbonnais. On Sunday, Bears' head coach Lovie Smith had the third and fourth string players don the full pads and equipment, and put them in a live, full-contact scrimmage.

Shea McClellin was among those participating, and let's just say the first round draft pick got hit with a huge dose of reality. While going up against the offensive linemen that were lower on the depth chart, McClellin got his official rookie wake up call.

The rookie from Boise State was pushed around, knocked down, pancaked and, at various times, just out right brutalized. One would assume that McClellin spent Monday's off-day in the hot tub to heal his wounds.

After yesterday's scrimmage there are some who question if McClellin can truly be an every down defensive end. And there are some who question if the Bears could have made a wiser decision on draft day.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1279 ... ining-camp

Yet, another source.

Training camp is still extremely early on, so we shouldn't be too hard on a rookie defensive end for looking "pretty bad" at this point. However, Bears fans know how important the defensive line is to the Bears' potential success. And while our understanding has to be high for a player in McClellin's shoes, there are still a few concerns that raise an eyebrow even this early in camp.

McClellin is getting overwhelmed by J'Marcus Webb

If McClellin was having his "Welcome to the NFL" moments at the hands of perennial pro bowlers, then I wouldn't bat an eye. But since it's happening at the hands of Webb and Chris Williams, I begin to get worried a bit. It's probably an over reaction on my part, but coming from someone that has seen these offensive linemen get torched for the last few years, and knowing how important it is the Bears get a pass rush, the fact McClellin is having trouble makes me cringe.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/chicago-be ... --nfl.html

[fleet]

^^^Hey going to your comments a couple posts back, I think Paea was elevated to first team Teus. Good stuff.

Returning focus to our rookie....Shea-Mac didn't look any better Teusday:

Auspicious debut: First-round draft pick Shea McClellin was down on himself after Sunday's practice but had problems again Tuesday. In two-on-two pass rush drills, he got stood up, bent backwards and fell back to the turf while going against T Tyler Hendrickson, a 6-8, 313-pound undrafted free agent from Concordia of Minnesota.

http://www.cbssports.com/general/blog/n ... -and-notes

Rookie defensive end Shea McClellin continued to struggle in pass rush, being handled first by left tackle J’Marcus Webb, who was taking his day with the No. 1 unit, and then by rookie tight end Evan Rodriguez. McClellin had a little success against Chris Williams but Williams also had the upper hand in their reps.

http://www.csnchicago.com/football-chic ... edID=10330

never liked the pick. He'll be situational as a rushing end, and he'll likely need to be moved around like a joker in order to stay off blockers. Hopefully he can shed a block when a run play is at him. He is playing at 255 btw. Its premature to crush him so early which is what I'm doing, but you guys know I don't like him in a 4-3

[fleet]

Alshon continues to impress. Drake said he could be dominant THIS YEAR. But Drake also says that about Hester so.....

as far as the O-Line, neither left tackle has stood out, which I take is a bad sign. Good quality stands out. James Brown has been switched to left tackle. Things that make you go hmmmm.

BOURBONNAIS — Three days into full-contact practices has not brought the Bears any closer to a resolution at left tackle.

But offensive coordinator Mike Tice isn't discouraged as he looks for J'Marcus Webb or Chris Williams to step forward in what right now is the only real battle for one of 22 starting jobs.

Webb ran with the starters during a muggy practice Tuesday at Olivet Nazarene University and Williams' turn will come Wednesday as the team alternates days for the linemen. Tice was anxious to get off the field and into the film room.

"Tonight is going to be a good film for me to evaluate because we had the goalline, we had the short yardage, we had the two-minute where it was just pass, pass, pass," he said. "It's going to be a good tape to evaluate and tomorrow Chris goes with the ones and that will be another good tape. Then we'll have four tapes, two each with the ones. At this point, right now, in all honesty, no one has jumped out at me."

The veterans are taking nearly all of the snaps at left tackle in practice but undrafted free agent James Brown has been shifted from right to left tackle. He gets a rep here and there. Offensive line coach Tim Holt cautioned not to read too much into that.

"With these young guys you kind of have to see and check them out," he said. "We just want to see how he does on the other side. Those young linemen have to be able to play both sides."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/fo ... 8439.story

[patryk7754]

Is there a specific way to find where your local team has training camp and can just anyone go?

[fleet]

both Jay Cutler and Matt Forte are returning from injuries and neither one looked hampered at all, with Forte running hard through the holes and Cutler delivering a multitude of perfect passes. Second round draft pick Ashlon Jefferey was featured as second starting receiver behind Brandon Marshall, and a hard running Dane Sanzenbacher looked very good while in the middle of a fight for a roster spot.

http://wjbc.com/bears-priming-for-start-of-season/

That competition took an unexpected turn Wednesday when Chris Williams, scheduled to practice with the starters at left tackle, was moved to right tackle.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/fo ... 8032.story

New defensive tackle Brian Price showed some progress but still had a tough time one-on-one against offensive lineman Edwin Williams in pass-rush drills.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/fo ... 5524.story

[fleet]

It seems like the Bears are creating a path for James Brown to be the backup left tackle. Except that he is a rookie so that could not happen right? Or number 1 swing tackle. What a rise it would be for an undrafted player. At least for one day. Don't want to read too much into this stuff. Yet I don't understand why Williams went to the right side.

[fleet]

Moon Mullin says Urlacher's knee acted up a little bit. Took a day off. Don't want to hear that at all.

[BIGGIEsmalls 23]

Moon Mullin says Urlacher's knee acted up a little bit. Took a day off. Don't want to hear that at all.

Lovie had no reason to allow him in that meaningless game versus the Vikings.

This news is making me mad all over again.

[heir_jordan22]

^^^Hey going to your comments a couple posts back, I think Paea was elevated to first team Teus. Good stuff.

I really like Paea and was waiting for the inevitable to happen. Finally, he's on the starting line.

McClellin: Maybe all the offensive linemen are just really focusing in on stopping him because he was the first round draft pick and they know that will help them impress???? Who knows, but I'll hold out a little longer to make my judgement since it's pretty early. If he can be a situational rusher this season and give us at least 8 sacks, I'm happy.

LT: I still have no idea what will happen. Hopefully someone stands out soon enough for the decision to be made before the pre-season. As far as James Brown goes, I think that was just to see if he can play it if necessary since Williams and Carimi both have injury problems and Webb loses focus. I don't read anything in Williams being at RT for a little bit either. We will know soon enough who wins the battle. It's just a waiting game now.

Safeties: I want to see if Wright and Conte can stay together as the starters all season. Not really a training camp thing, but it would be nice if they proved themselves as a solid duo this year that can be our future at safety.

[fleet]

Moon Mullin says Urlacher's knee acted up a little bit. Took a day off. Don't want to hear that at all.

Lovie had no reason to allow him in that meaningless game versus the Vikings.

This news is making me mad all over again.

He is out of practice for the second straight day now, so you might be feeling worse today. He is at least spending more quality time at home with more energy and who can blame him when his GF is putting out new pics like this after posing for a playboy spread





http://www.opposingviews.com/i/entertai ... her-bikini

[BIGGIEsmalls 23]

^^^^^Those photos have taken away my anger..........momentarily.

[fleet]

at least Shea Mac has perked up:

McClellin, for the first time showing up repeatedly with impact plays, brought a roar from the crowd when he leaped and intercepted a Jason Campbell pass at the line. That was followed later by a “sack” in the full-team session, another near-sack on which he pulled up before impact, and several plays into the backfield that produced simulated tackles for loss.

The interception in particular “was impressive,” said coach Lovie Smith. “But he’s capable of making plays like that. When you’re a first-round draft pick, there’s a lot of pressure on you to be All-Pro right away. It takes time.

“But he has great quickness and speed. He works hard. Good athletic ability. Nothing should stop him from being a real good football player.”

Jeffery was elevated to the starting lineup opposite Brandon Marshall as coaches held out Devin Hester, who suffered an ankle strain last Saturday and has not rested it. He caught several mid-range throws from Jay Cutler and showed more of his ability to win strength battles against defensive backs for balls.

http://www.csnchicago.com/football-chic ... edID=10330