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The Bears concluded their offseason program last week at Halas Hall. From rookie minicamp to veteran minicamp, here’s a look at the action:
The Chicago Bears concluded their offseason program with mandatory minicamp last week at Halas Hall, ahead of training camp in late July.
As the Bears head into their summer break, here’s a look at the best photos from their 2023 offseason program — from rookie minicamp to OTAs to mandatory minicamp.
Get a glimpse at Bears OTAs through the eyes of QB1, Justin Fields.
Bears quarterback Justin Fields has been making waves this offseason, where his teammates and coaches have noticed improvement from the third-year signal caller.
Fields has improved his mechanics and has a better grasp of the offense, as he heads into his second season in Luke Getsy’s scheme.
Left guard Teven Jenkins said Fields carries himself like a “10 year vet,” and that’s something that’s had an impact on his teammates.
“Seeing how he commands that huddle and what he wants to see out of all of us,” Jenkins said, “it’s a wake-up call for me that I need to push myself to be on his level because he’s demanding a certain effort out of all of us.”
To catch a glimpse of that, here’s a look at Fields mic’d up during OTAs:
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Rookie Tyler Scott has been turning heads with his game-changing speed during the Bears’ offseason program.
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When the Bears drafted wide receiver Tyler Scott in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft, they already knew he had blazing speed. Scott ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at his pro day, and his speed was something that made him an appealing addition to this offense.
But it’s something else entirely to see that applied on the practice field, where Scott has been turning heads with his game-changing speed during the team’s offseason program.
“His speed shows up, his suddenness shows up, and his moves and run after the catch show up,” wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert said, via NBC Sports Chicago. “He can catch a ball, make a guy miss, turn around, get going really fast. Like zero to 60. Obviously, he has deep speed. And his knowledge, he doesn’t make the same mistake twice. There are some things that we put in, everything’s new to him, and we’ll put in something that’s new and he doesn’t make the same mistake twice. That’s always a good sign for any player, much less receiver.
“You have to worry about breaking the huddle. There’s motions, there’s shift. Where’s my split? What’s the depth of my route? Certain defenses make a route convert into another route. It’s a lot of things going on at wide receiver. It’s not just lining up on the right side, going 10 yards, going right, and catch the ball. There’s a lot of things that go on that people don’t realize. But he doesn’t make the same mistake twice. He does a really good job.”
Scott was brought in to serve as another weapon for quarterback Justin Fields, where Scott’s speed can help open up the vertical passing game.
While Scott’s speed is his trademark, there are other aspects of his game that have impressed the coaching staff as he continues to develop.
“The way that he came in, he’s got some stuff to him that you like,” offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said. “His approach — he’s got toughness. He’s a smart guy. I’ve been really pleased with him. By no means is he where he needs to be, but where he’s going and his approach and the way he attacks every single day.”
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Jaquan Brisker breakout season incoming?
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Bears safety Jaquan Brisker wasn’t satisfied with how his rookie season unfolded. That’s to be expected when your team goes 3-14 and the defense struggles.
But Brisker fared better than a lot of his fellow rookies, showing potential as a physical strong safety on a bad Bears defense. Brisker moved all around on defense, whether that was in the box, battling slot receivers or blitzing. He led the team with 4.0 sacks and had the second-most tackles (104). Brisker was solid against the run and in coverage, although he showed room for improvement as a tackler.
Following his first season and a beneficial offseason, Brisker already feels more like himself in this defense.
“I felt like I could have been more involved in the defense,” he said. “This year, I feel a lot more comfortable with the coaches, with the defense and the players. I feel like myself. I feel like it’s going to be a way different year than it was last year.”
Brisker already feels the difference during voluntary workouts, where he’s more confident and in control, and that could lead to a breakout season for the second-year safety.
“Last year I was just moving too fast,” Brisker said. “I caught up to the game, but I messed up my thumb. When I came back, I was trying to move too fast instead of being under control, being myself, making plays and not giving up certain things or not being consistent.
“Usually I’m a consistent leader. You see it during the OTAs this year — a lot different energy. I’m flying around playing both safeties. So definitely going to get a different [No.] 9 this year.”
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Bears OC Luke Getsy has noticed Chase Claypool has more comfortability with the scheme and chemistry with QB Justin Fields.
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Chase Claypool is facing a make-or-break year with the Bears, where he has a lot to prove in a contract year.
Chicago acquired Claypool in a trade with the Steelers last November, where the Bears sent a borderline first-round pick (No. 32, the top selection in the second round) in exchange for the former second-round wide receiver. Right now, it’s a trade that doesn’t look good for Chicago.
Last season, Claypool failed to make an impact during his seven-game stint with the Bears. He totaled just 14 catches for 140 yards. In his defense, Claypool was thrown into the fire in a system that took players months to truly grasp.
But with an offseason to develop a better understanding, Claypool has a chance to carve out a role for himself in this offense.
Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has noticed a difference in Claypool this offseason, where there’s a sense of greater comfortability both with the scheme and chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields.
“I think comfortability within the building, whether that’s being around the head coach, being around us on the offensive staff, his teammates,” Getsy said, via NBC Sports Chicago. “And then, most importantly, Justin. I think that relationship is always the most important — the quarterback/receiver relationship. I think all that’s improving. As far as his knowledge of what’s going on around him, that’s improving. Because we demand a lot of that position, as we’ve talked about here plenty of times. That’s a big part of what we do with that role. It’s been good to see him be able to take a step there.
“To say where he is now, obviously, he’s definitely in a much better place. That’s what’s most important. Like coach Flus and those guys have said, I think that his positivity, his optimism coming into this thing, and his attack and his approach to how he’s trying to learn this thing is really cool to see.”
Claypool has been battling a soft tissue injury suffered during organized team activities, but he’s been focused on improving this offseason. Whether it’s asking questions or spending extra time at the facility, wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert has taken notice.
“I’m excited where he is,” Tolbert said. “He’s more into what we’re doing offensively. He asks a lot of good questions. He’s here extra too — when he doesn’t have to be here, he’s here doing a lot of extra things, trying to get better, watching tape on his own, that kinda thing.
“He’s a big target, as we know. People forget that he’s 230 pounds but he ran a 4.42. He’s really fast. He was out here and he was getting behind the defense a few times. We’re excited to have him.”
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The Bears want more passing and less rushing from Justin Fields, but the designed QB runs aren’t going anywhere.
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Bears quarterback Justin Fields emerged as the NFL’s most electric rushing quarterback last season. The second-year signal caller rushed for 1,043 yards, second most all-time behind Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson.
Fields made it clear that he doesn’t want to rush for 1,000 yards every season. It was more out of necessity last season as Fields didn’t have the best supporting cast and pass protection.
The Bears would certainly agree: More passing, less rushing in 2023. But, at the same time, that doesn’t mean Chicago is looking to limit Fields’ elite athleticism.
“Most of that is a natural thing once you’re in the moment, but decision-making, we’re working on every single day,” said offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, via NBC Sports Chicago. “Timing and rhythm we’re working on every single day. And lastly, the situation that you’re in. Putting that all together, you’re just increasing the football IQ so you know better when to take those opportunities and when not to, because there are plenty of times on film that he shouldn’t do it, and even though it worked out for us, in the long run, there’s a better decision. There’s a better way.”
While Fields single-handedly kept the Bears in games last season because of his ability to break open a big play, it wasn’t without its consequences. Fields suffered a dislocated left shoulder, which kept him out one game, and injured his hip at the end of the season.
At the end of the day, it’s about Fields picking and choosing when to utilize his rushing ability. But Getsy trusts his quarterback, and he made it clear that they won’t be telling him not to run if his instincts kick in.
“There’s times I can coach and say, ‘You should do this,’ but then his instincts tell him to do something and we have to trust that, too,” Getsy said. “I by no means will make that guy robotic. I don’t believe in doing that with any player. But there’s a way to refine it all and improve our decision-making and trusting our timing and rhythm and we’ll take it from there.”
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In our weekly newsletter, we’re recapping the final week of Bears OTAs.
This is our weekly online morning newsletter, Bear Necessities. Subscribe to get the latest Bears news delivered to your mailbox every day.
What’s the latest with the Chicago Bears?
The Bears wrapped their Organized Team Activities this week, which included the final three practices ahead of mandatory minicamp. One of those practices was open to the media, which gave us some storylines to digest.
Here’s a look at the most recent and relevant Bears stories for the week of June 4.
Two of the most electrifying quarterbacks of the last 20 years met up to talk shop this week.
A meeting of the minds took place at Halas Hall this week between two of the most electrifying quarterbacks to play in the NFL over the last 20 years. Former NFL star Michael Vick visited the Chicago Bears facilities and had a chance to talk with Justin Fields. The team released photos of the interactions on Friday, one day following the conclusion of organized team activities (OTAs).
Talkin' shop 🤝 pic.twitter.com/NUgqLo6beA
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 9, 2023
When it comes to quarterbacks visiting with Fields, Vick fits the bill for a couple of reasons. All last season, Fields was being compared to Vick for his dynamic running ability that was on display in nearly every single game. Fields broke Vick’s single-game rushing record against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9 with 178 yards. He also surpassed Vick’s single-season rushing total as well with 1,143 yards. But their connection goes deeper than that.
Fields, a native of Kennesaw, Georgia located just outside Atlanta, grew up idolizing Vick when he was a member of the Falcons. The two connected when Fields entered the league and have stayed close since then, with Vick going to bat for the young quarterback in the media. “I think he’s a great player,” said Vick earlier this year via Chris Emma of Marquee Sports Network. “I think Justin has a lot of room to grow. As a quarterback and in general, but growing in the passing game. Another year in the system, some weapons around you.”
After coming into the league in 2001 with the Falcons as the No. 1 overall pick, Vick set quarterback rushing records and was one of the most dangerous dual-threat options. His time in Atlanta was cut short, however, when he was convicted on dog fighting charges and was suspended while also having to serve 18 months in federal prison.
After being released, Vick had a career renaissance with the Philadelphia Eagles in the early 2010s, earning Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 and rebuilding his public image in the process. Now, Vick stays involved with football in the media and helps mentor players like Fields, who is looking to take another major step in his development in 2023.
Though the topics of their meeting and conversation are still unknown, fans were hyped to see the two dynamic quarterbacks come together this week.
The Bears concluded OTAs this week at Halas Hall. Here’s a look at the best photos from the last three weeks of practices.
The Chicago Bears concluded their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week at Halas Hall, which included nine practices over the last three weeks.
Before the Bears kick off mandatory minicamp next week, here’s a look at the best photos from 2023 OTAs:
The Bears had some team bonding at the United Center on Thursday.
The Chicago Bears concluded organized team activities with some team bonding at the United Center, thanks to the Chicago Bulls.
While it was a day for relaxation and fun, there was still plenty of competition on the court between teammates.
The Bears social media team captured the action from Thursday at the United Center. According to the videos shared, it was Team Nagurski battling Team Butkus for bragging rights.
Here’s a look at the photos and videos from the Bears’ day of team building:
