Tag: bears otas

Bears see difference in Chase Claypool: ‘He’s definitely in a much better place’

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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Bears don’t want to limit Justin Fields’ elite running ability

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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Bear Necessities: Recapping the final week of 2023 OTAs

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.

Michael Vick visits with Bears QB Justin Fields at Halas Hall

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).

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.

Best photos from Chicago Bears’ 2023 OTAs

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:

Bears had some team bonding at United Center to wrap 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:

Bears safety Eddie Jackson has ‘worked his tail off’ to get back on practice field

Bears safety Eddie Jackson practiced for the first time Wednesday since suffering a season-ending foot injury last season.

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Bears safety Eddie Jackson was one of several veterans who returned to the practice field during Wednesday’s voluntary organized team activities.

While Jackson has been at Halas Hall rehabbing and participating in team meetings, this marked the first time Jackson practiced since suffering a Lisfranc injury, which didn’t require surgery, last November against the Jets.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus is impressed with how far Jackson has come.

“Eddie has worked his tail off to get back to where he is,” Eberflus said. “He’s in really good shape for working with the rehab staff, and I want to commend those guys, the training staff, for getting him back—and commend Eddie also for the hard work that he’s put in to get to this point.”

According to NBC Sports Chicago’s Josh Schrock, Jackson participated in both individual and team drills on Wednesday, as well as did some extra sprints. While Jackson’s rep count was lower than others, the Bears usually have a ramp up period for players returning from injury.

With mandatory minicamp next week, we’ll see how involved Jackson is during practice before the team breaks for the summer.

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Bears CB Jaylon Johnson addresses early OTAs absence

Bears CB Jaylon Johnson returned to the practice field after missing the first two weeks of OTAs.

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Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson made his organized team activities debut this week at Halas Hall, returning to the practice field after missing the first two weeks of voluntary workouts.

With Johnson entering a contract year, there was plenty of speculation about his absence being attributed to his contract situation. But that wasn’t the case.

“Not even close,” Johnson said. “Anybody who knows me, that’s not my character … I have a 3-year-old daughter back at home in California and I’m a dad before I’m anything else. Before I’m a football player, before I’m anything, I’m a dad first. I don’t get to spend too much time with her during the season because she’s back at home in California.

“I take pride in being a dad. I’m not just any old type of dad that just comes and sees their kid. I’m present. I’m spending time. I’m putting my heart into my daughter. When it comes to the offseason, I take that serious. I communicate that to the coaches and they understood and hopefully respected it. I’m going to be there for my daughter because they can find another corner. My daughter can’t find another dad.”

While Johnson wasn’t physically at the facility in the last two weeks, he remained involved through Zoom meetings. Now, he’s back on the practice field ahead of mandatory minicamp next week.

As for his future in Chicago, Johnson made it clear that he wants to be a Bear for the long term.

“100%,” he said. “I look forward to staying and extending with the Bears.”

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Justin Fields-DJ Moore connection drawing rave reviews at Bears OTAs

Justin Fields and DJ Moore are looking like they can be something special for the Bears.

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The Chicago Bears are hoping quarterback Justin Fields and wide receiver DJ Moore can become something special on offense, and it’s already evident during offseason workouts.

Safety Jaquan Brisker has gone against Fields and Moore throughout organized team activities, and he’s been surprised by how quickly Fields and Moore have developed what appears to be a special connection.

“It look like they got that chemistry going very fast, earlier than I expected,” Brisker said. “They look good, though. They look like they best friends. Justin’s definitely throwing him the ball. Two’s getting the ball, no doubt. Justin looks good, though. He’s going through his progressions. He’s looking very smooth, making good decisions out there, and looking like the best quarterback in the NFL. I thought that last year, but this year it’s different.”

The Bears acquired Moore in a trade of the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, finally giving Fields the No. 1 receiver he’s been missing. Brisker has already noticed the impact of having that bonafide option for Fields.

“I’d say it is a big difference because he has his receiver out there that he wants and that he knows he can trust and throw it to,” Brisker said. “I won’t say anything bad from last year, but just compared to last year, he just looks different. It’s a different energy. And you know that feeling when you’re out there looking, and you see 1 and 2 going out there, and he’s throwing that ball to 2, and he’s getting it, he’s catching it. It’s timing routes, and it’s on time. So it’s a different chemistry right now.

“And it’s just OTAs, they just started, so the sky’s the limit for them for sure. For Justin, for DJ, and for that offense. Sky is the limit. You’re going to see.”

While it’s easy to overreact to unpadded practices in June, it’s hard to ignore that Fields and Moore’s chemistry has been the talk of the offseason. The hope is that it’s the start of something great.

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Bears OTAs: Notes, videos, highlights from Day 9

The Bears conducted their ninth practice of OTAs on Wednesday. Here are notes, highlights and press conferences from the final week.

The Chicago Bears are wrapping organized team activities (OTAs) this week at Halas Hall. That included the third open session during Wednesday’s practice, where the media got another glimpse of the offseason action.

There was plenty to take away from the ninth voluntary OTA practice, including the returns of Eddie Jackson, Jaylon Johnson and Nate Davis, as well as the continued connection between Justin Fields and DJ Moore and the defense making a big play.

Here’s a recap of what went down on Day 9 of OTAs, featuring notes, highlights and press conferences from Wednesday: