Yesterday began a series of joint practices with the Miami Dolphins that will culminate in the preseason opener Saturday. Weather delayed the day. Quick thoughts.
An Outside Opinion.
I really like the way Justin Fields is getting the ball out there. He appears to be the real deal.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 11, 2021
Nobody who has physically watched the Bears practice this summer has come away with any other opinion. It is a matter of time, and that matter of time should be around four days.
Mack. Back.
First joint practice between the Bears-Dolphins has concluded. I spent it watching the Dolphins offense vs. the Bears defense. We’ll have plenty of takeaways up later but two main things here:
1. Khalil Mack is a game-wrecker.
2. WR Mack Hollins was a problem for Bears D.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) August 11, 2021
Mack’s practices have not been significantly valued due to the injuries on the Bears OL. Hearing he dominated the Dolphins should provide hope that he’s finally beyond his injury issues and ready to rejoin the best pass rushers in the sport at the top of the sack sheet.
Jon’Vea Johnson: Joe Anderson Boner Nominee
For those of you who don’t remember, this is the Joe Anderson Boner. Johnson seems to catch a big pass from Fields in every single practice.
General Notes on the Offensive Line
- Once again, I don’t understand why Matt Nagy says some of the things he says. On 670 yesterday morning, re: Teven Jenkins: “We were well aware of everything with some of the back issues he had in college. This is kind of part of the process.” Why not just say, “He’s improving. But we’re not going to rush him.” Leave it at that. Even if this is a chronic condition, why point to that?
- Before entering concussion protocol, Larry Borom was the best offensive lineman in camp. Two people within the organization mentioned him to me as a potential starter; both suggesting his talent level far exceeds his draft position. Borom can solve a lot of the Bears OL issues if he gets back on the field in the coming weeks.
- The Bears believe Germain Ifedi is close to returning but a hip flexor injury is tricky for a tackle. OL coach Juan Castillo trusts Ifedi immensely and they see no reason to rush him back onto the field. Guys in the league as long as Ifedi don’t need many preseason reps.
- Don’t be surprised if both Dalton and Fields hand the ball off a lot Saturday.
