Chicago Bears training camp: Takeaways from Day 9

Yahoo

16 hours ago

The Chicago Bears were back at Halas Hall for the ninth practice of training camp on Saturday, which featured some intriguing developments in the fourth padded practice of the summer.
Quarterback Caleb Williams and the starting offense got off to a hot start during 1-on-1 and team drills, but things didn't end well during the two-minute drill. Still, according to Zack Pearson, "Williams and the offense are getting more and more comfortable" these last few practices, and Saturday was "another good day out there." It's certainly encouraging just ahead of preseason with Chicago slated to host the Miami Dolphins for a joint practice next week. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland also continued to thrive with receiver Rome Odunze showcasing his big-play potential.
Here's what we learned from the eighth practice of training camp, from the offense's progress to Colston Loveland shining to Nahshon Wright's strong case for a roster spot.
Caleb Williams, offense continue to get more comfortable
For all intents and purposes, Caleb Williams had another impressive day of practice. But there were some mistakes made, which is to be expected. It's never going to be perfect, but the important thing is Williams continues to show progress. Greg Braggs said Williams was "dialed in once again" during Saturday's practice, where he made some impressive throws throughout the day. Braggs said Williams might've had his "best throw camp so far" when he delivered a tight throw into traffic where Braggs noted "tight window throw would be putting it mildly." But, once again, the two-minute drill continues to be the offense's downfall. After evading a pass rusher and delivering a touchdown to a wide open Cole Kmet, Williams "tried to sneak a ball into the end zone," per Michal Dwojak, and was intercepted by cornerback Nahshon Wright to end practice. But, as Zack Pearson noted, the "last few practices it feels like Caleb Williams and the offense are getting more and more comfortable" and said it was "another good day out there."
Ozzy Trapilo took all reps with the starters
The Bears' left tackle battle continued with a notable development: Rookie Ozzy Trapilo took all the reps with the starters during Saturday's practice, according to Adam Jahns. Following practice, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle noted they're still rotating, with today being slated for Trapilo. But it is noteworthy that Trapilo got the first crack taking every rep with the first team while Braxton Jones worked with the second and third teams with Kiran Amegadjie sidelined.
Colston Loveland had another impressive day
Another day, another practice where rookie tight end Colston Loveland continues to flash his potential in this offense. Loveland has only been practicing for a week, but he's already developed a nice rapport not only with Caleb Williams but Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent as he serves as a security blanket for his QBs. Mark Carman noted that Loveland "gets the ball a lot," which says a lot about his potential usage in this offense. Loveland was the recipient of a Caleb Williams strike of a touchdown pass to kick off 7-on-7 work. Loveland also had the "catch of the day," according to Adam Jahns, on a "back-shoulder jump ball" from Case Keenum with linebacker Ruben Hyppolite in tight coverage. Clay Harbor raved about Loveland being "a threat in the red zone" with a pair of touchdowns during 7-on-7 with his "unique blend of size and speed" that will make him a matchup nightmare.
Rome Odunze showed out
It's easy to lose sight of certain players in the Bears' loaded pass catching group, but second-year pro Rome Odunze continues to show everyone that he's primed for a breakout year. Odunze showed out several times during Saturday's practice, which included him going up and snatching a ball away from cornerback Kyler Gordon during 1-on-1 -- Greg Braggs said Odunze "mossed" Gordon. Later in practice, Odunze made a catch in between defenders from quarterback Caleb Williams, which got QB1 all fired up. Williams connected with Odunze again during the two-minute drill, hauling in a reception on a critical fourth down to keep the chains moving (although the drill ended in an interception). It's clear Williams and Odunze are furthering their connection, and they'll be a potent duo to watch as the season gets underway.
It would be a shock if Nahshon Wright doesn't make the roster
One of the biggest surprises of training camp has been the emergence of cornerback Nahshon Wright, who has been working with the first-team defense from Day 1 of training camp (with Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson sidelined). Not only does Wright feel like a safe bet for the 53-man roster at this point, he's competing for the CB2 spot opposite Johnson. Right now, Tyrique Stevenson is his biggest competition. But while Stevenson has rotated at times with Terell Smith, Wright has worked with the starters throughout. Wright had a "stellar" interception of quarterback Caleb Williams to end practice, according to Patrick Finley. Wright, who worked with defensive backs coach Al Harris in Dallas, is making a strong case to serve an impact role in his first season with Chicago.
Kyler Gordon continues to be impact player
Newly-extended nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon has been a standout player throughout training camp, and he was making plays during Saturday's padded practice and showcasing his physicality and impactful play. According to Nicholas Moreno, Gordon "destroyed" running back D'Andre Swift with a big hit in the backfield during the team period. Greg Braggs said Gordon "looked like a missile" as he ran over Swift. Zack Pearson added Gordon came in "untouched" and garnered a huge reaction from the defense. During 1-on-1 drills, Gordon had "sticky coverage" against receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, per Moreano. While he didn't win one of his 1-on-1 reps against Rome Odunze -- who "mossed him" according to Braggs -- Gordon continues to show just how valuable he is to this Bears defense.
Bad snaps continue to be an issue
While the offense is making strides as training camp progresses, there's one lingering issue that continues to rear its ugly head in snapping issues. Every practice, there seems to be a mention of a bad/fumbled snap -- be it starters or reserves -- that needs to be cleaned up. Greg Braggs said it's been "a consistent theme" throughout training camp, and it popped up again Saturday. According to Braggs, there was a botched snap by Drew Dalman to Caleb Williams during team drills. Mason West added there was also a fumbled snap with Ryan Bates at center with quarterback Tyson Bagent. This is the time for this to happen. But the Bears need to get this cleaned up before Week 1.
Attendance update
As far as attendance goes, right guard Jonah Jackson returned to practice as he ramps up back from a leg injury suffered last week. With him sidelined, it was Ryan Bates getting reps with the starters at right guard. According to Kevin Fishbain, the following players didn't practice: Offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie, guard Bill Murray, center Ricky Stromberg, cornerback Zah Frazier, defensive tackle Shemar Turner and running back Deion Hankins.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears training camp: Takeaways from Day 9