Through the first weeks of training camp, what is the buzz surrounding the Chicago Bears running backs?
With a Chicago Bears scheduled off day, it is an excellent chance to reflect on some of the things we have learned so far in training camp. Keep in mind; these are the practices to get everyone introduced. These are pre-preseason game practices.
These are guides to where things are headed not takes about what things are going to be. With that in mind, we kick off with running backs
Jordan Howard:
The big news out of Howard is his pass catching. He has hands! Well, two of them that can help him catch passes. But seriously, given his issues in this department, this has been looked at as a huge revelation. Now, to hear about consistency in his hands, as well as watching it happen at game speed.
Tarik Cohen
We assumed this since the hiring of Matt Nagy. Reports came flying out of OTAs, and now are confirmed in training camp that Cohen is going to play everywhere. I mean everywhere. Even…quarterback?
Tarik Cohen with a beautiful pass to Mitch Trubisky. You read that right.
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) July 23, 2018
In reality, it is outside, in the slot, out of the backfield, everywhere. Cohen is catching passes, and he is running out of the backfield. Cohen is going deep, short, killing people with the ball and without it.
We have been high on Cohen all offseason and are only pouring more gas on that fire.
Benny Cunningham
Cunningham is who he is, and we know what he is by now. He can pass block, and he can catch the football. He has shown both skills off so far, proving he still deserves a roster spot.
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Rd. 1 Benny Cunningham Vs. Kevin Toliver
— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL) July 24, 2018
Rd. 2 Nick Kwiatkowski Vs. Ryan Nall
Lol Kyle Fuller was fired up😂
(Via @GBraggsJr) pic.twitter.com/cKdFG9Rkcw
Taquan Mizzell
While seemingly everyone is going to get a first-team snap here and there, it is comforting to know Mizzell got some first-team reps as well.
This is taquan Mizzell with the first team offense. Looked quick and explosive all day. I really like him and Cohen on the field at the same time like they are here. Also Tru changed the play at the line. pic.twitter.com/qMoNrk8a5p
— Stephen Letizia (@StephenLetizia) July 24, 2018
Mizzell came into camp having to prove his worth on the roster, so getting those type of reps at least ensures that he is going to get a long and hard look this summer.
Fortunately for Mizzell, he has lived up to some of the hype around his name. Mizzell is known as a passing game threat and showed that with a sharp catch down the sideline early into camp.
Tarik Cohen is shouting out "33" after fellow running back Taquan Mizzell caught a deep ball from Chase Daniel. Cohen is never short on having energy and pumping up his teammates.
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) July 21, 2018
Ryan Nall
We expected Nall to be a name that would make some of the loudest noise in camp. It is far too early, but he has been quiet. In the clip above, you can see Nick Kwiatkoski owning him in pass protection.
He also has not taken any significant snaps with prominent players. It is far too early, but Nall seems to be in catch up mode at this point.