Bears Hoping Competition Breeds Excellence

Oct 7, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) congratulates wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) after he scored on a 10-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Bears won 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Competition.  It’s a theme I’ve heard echoed throughout the Chicago Bears offseason.  It’s manifested itself recently in a few very different and contrasting ways.   On the one hand, you had Tuesday’s OTA turn into MMA when Jordan Mills went up against Lamarr Houston while Martellus Bennett had to be restrained in the first fight of the offseason.  When asked about it, Houston echoed the theme – competition.

"“We’re just competitive guys,” Houston said. “Sometimes get heated out there but it’s nothing personal. Marty’s a good guy.”"

Even though OTA’s are supposed to be non-contact, you like to see a little fire, especially on the defensive side, where the influx of new talent needs to bring an edge to the beleaguered Bears defense.