Chicago Bears Training Camp 2012: Practice 1 Notebook
It’s like the dam suddenly burst. That’s how I feel with the start of camp. Three days ago, you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel trying to come up with baby names for Jay Cutler Jr and before you know it there is more than you can possibly write about. Let’s go bullet points with some notes I was able to pull together from the first practice of the 2012 season.
- 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??