| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Madmike90
Joined: 25 Jan 2009
Posts: 18563
Location: Scotland
|
 Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 7:36 am Post subject: Pre-Season 2012 |
 |
|
|
With only one week to go I figured I would start up this year’s training camp thread…expectations are high and training camp will either dampen or as I suspect ignite expectation…
http://www.chicagobears.com/team/TrainingCampSchedule.asp
Training Camp Schedule...
| Quote: | DAY...DATE...PRACTICE TIME
Wednesday...July 25...No practice - closed to public
Thursday...July 26...2:30 pm
Friday...July 27...2:30 pm
Saturday...July 28...7:00 pm
Sunday...July 29...2:00 pm
Monday...July 30...No practice - closed to public
Tuesday...July 31...2:30 pm
Wednesday...August 1...2:30 pm
Thursday...August 2...2:00 pm
Friday...August 3...Family Fest - 7:00 pm (Soldier Field)
Saturday...August 4...No practice - closed to public
Sunday...August 5...2:00 pm
Monday...August 6...2:30 pm
Tuesday...August 7...2:00 pm
Wednesday...August 8...Closed to public
Thursday...August 9...vs. Broncos (preseason opener)
Friday...August 10...No practice - closed to public
Saturday...August 11...2:00 pm
Sunday...August 12...2:30 pm
Monday...August 13...7:00 pm
Tuesday...August 14...2:00 pm
Wednesday...August 15...No practice - closed to public
Thursday...August 16...2:00 pm
Friday...August 17...Break camp - closed to public |
Key Training Camp Battles...
| Quote: | #2 WR - Earl Bennett vs. Alshon Jeffery vs. Devin Hester
LT - J'Marcus Webb vs. Chris Williams
LE - Israel Idonije vs. Shea McClellin
NT - Matt Toeaina vs. Stephen Paea
#2 CB - Tim Jennings vs. Kelvin Hayden
SS - Major Wright vs. Craig Steltz vs. Brandon Hardin |
Pre-Camp News...
| Quote: | Bears MLB Brian Urlacher (knee) will not be limited in training camp.
Urlacher was held out of spring practices as a precaution, but he's been back to full health for awhile. "I'm full go for everything, so I won't be missing anything," Urlacher said. "One hundred and ten percent, I'm good to go." |
| Quote: | Brandon Marshall insists he's the most focused he's ever been in his NFL career entering his debut season with the Bears.
"I'm focused ... (the) most focused I've ever been in my professional career," said Marshall. "Very excited, but at the same time, ready to get the job done." Marshall made it through a full offseason without a negative off-field situation for the first time in quite a while. He's also the healthiest he's been since his rookie year. We love him as a WR2 in fantasy leagues this season. |
| Quote: | Johnny Knox (back surgery) opened Bears camp on the active/PUP list.
Knox will assuredly stay on PUP into the regular season, disqualifying him for the first six games. We'd be a bit surprised if he played at all this year. |
Last edited by Madmike90 on Mon Aug 20, 2012 4:25 pm; edited 8 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Madmike90
Joined: 25 Jan 2009
Posts: 18563
Location: Scotland
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 9:01 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
Early camp battle predictions…
#2 WR - Earl Bennett vs. Alshon Jeffery vs. Devin Hester…
Personally I don’t have a big belief that Hester is in this battle…I feel he will have his own package to hopefully surprise and disrupt defensive alignments…I feel Bennett will win out in the battle between himself & Jeffery…his experience & route running will give him an advantage over Jeffery in camp…I do expect tho that Jeffery will move to the #2 spot with Bennett sliding in to the slot when we go to 3 receiver sets.
LT - J'Marcus Webb vs. Chris Williams…
This is the biggest battle of camp IMO…and the most important…Webb struggled at times last season but I feel Tice’s system will protect the LT far more than Martz’s ever did…Williams has shown some good things in limited action at LT…but it was very limited action and was back in 09…to be honest I don’t have a great deal of faith in either right now altho both do have plenty of potential…I expect Webb to win out and improve next season…hopefully enough so we don’t have to go into next offseason with such a big question mark at the position.
LE - Israel Idonije vs. Shea McClellin…
McClellin is going to be key to us winning games this year…he has to be able to take advantage of the one on ones that Peppers & Melton should be able to create for him…that said I see him early in the season being a pass rush specialist playing behind Idonije…Izzy is a very solid player for us who provides just about enough pass rush to keep his starting role for the start of the season…I do expect McClellin to be starting by the midway point of the season tho.
NT - Matt Toeaina vs. Stephen Paea…
This is a tough one…personally I’ve never been a massive fan of Toeaina…I think he is a solid player but he doesn’t stand out in any one area IMO…Paea is a player I feel can be a core player for us for many years to come and he is far more talented than Toe…but with a likely 3 man rotation we might be better starting Toe and having Paea rotate with him & Melton…Toe experience might win out in the end.
#2 CB - Tim Jennings vs. Kelvin Hayden…
I feel a fully healthy Kelvin Hayden is a better player than Tim Jennings…but will Hayden be able to stay healthy throughout camp? If he can stay healthy I reckon he will win out in that battle...it would be a very close win because the coaches like Jennings’ competitiveness and run support but Hayden is better in coverage and in a division with Rodgers & Stafford that’s what’s really important.
SS - Major Wright vs. Craig Steltz vs. Brandon Hardin…
This will be one of the most intense battles because all three guys have a decent shot of winning out…Wright is the incumbent but has been very inconsistent…Steltz is always solid but lacks athleticism…Hardin brings great size and athleticism but no experience at safety…I reckon Steltz could win out in this battle but in truth it could go in any direction if Hardin shows a feel for playing the position. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
IronMike84
Joined: 17 Jun 2009
Posts: 5910
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 10:34 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
| Madmike90 wrote: | | I feel Bennett will win out in the battle between himself & Jeffery…his experience & route running will give him an advantage over Jeffery in camp…I do expect tho that Jeffery will move to the #2 spot with Bennett sliding in to the slot when we go to 3 receiver sets. |
I think the fanbase is going to expect too much too soon from Jeffery. He has great potential, but there has been this perception floating around Chicago for some time that "tall/big" guys are the end-all of receivers, invincible pass-catching machines who are superior to smaller receivers in every way. His contributions likely will grow as the season progresses, but I suspect we will hear some grumblings if he doesn't light it up right out of the gates. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
raq11
Joined: 24 Feb 2011
Posts: 670
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 10:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
| IronMike84 wrote: | | Madmike90 wrote: | | I feel Bennett will win out in the battle between himself & Jeffery…his experience & route running will give him an advantage over Jeffery in camp…I do expect tho that Jeffery will move to the #2 spot with Bennett sliding in to the slot when we go to 3 receiver sets. |
I think the fanbase is going to expect too much too soon from Jeffery. He has great potential, but there has been this perception floating around Chicago for some time that "tall/big" guys are the end-all of receivers, invincible pass-catching machines who are superior to smaller receivers in every way. His contributions likely will grow as the season progresses, but I suspect we will hear some grumblings if he doesn't light it up right out of the gates. |
His red flags, as far as I'm aware, were about his body fat %...right? Do you feel the Jags are expecting Blackmon to contribute immediately? The Cards and Floyd? Even Titans and Wright? Cause I bet they do. I think Alshon has a nice pass being a 2nd rounder, but I don't think it's unfair to expect 40-50 yards a game for the first half of the season |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Madmike90
Joined: 25 Jan 2009
Posts: 18563
Location: Scotland
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 10:50 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
| IronMike84 wrote: | | Madmike90 wrote: | | I feel Bennett will win out in the battle between himself & Jeffery…his experience & route running will give him an advantage over Jeffery in camp…I do expect tho that Jeffery will move to the #2 spot with Bennett sliding in to the slot when we go to 3 receiver sets. |
I think the fanbase is going to expect too much too soon from Jeffery. He has great potential, but there has been this perception floating around Chicago for some time that "tall/big" guys are the end-all of receivers, invincible pass-catching machines who are superior to smaller receivers in every way. His contributions likely will grow as the season progresses, but I suspect we will hear some grumblings if he doesn't light it up right out of the gates. |
I agree…the simple fact is that the majority of rookies need time to adjust to the NFL level…Jeffery won’t be any different IMO…for example we saw him at OTAs cramping up…that was because he wasn’t used to having to push his body quite as hard when he was in college…that will intensify when it comes to training camp and certainly when it comes to live game action…it’s going to take time unless he is one of the rare exceptions at the WR spot. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
IronMike84
Joined: 17 Jun 2009
Posts: 5910
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:16 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
| raq11 wrote: | | His red flags, as far as I'm aware, were about his body fat %...right? Do you feel the Jags are expecting Blackmon to contribute immediately? The Cards and Floyd? Even Titans and Wright? Cause I bet they do. I think Alshon has a nice pass being a 2nd rounder, but I don't think it's unfair to expect 40-50 yards a game for the first half of the season |
40-50 yards a game for the first half? I don't know. If he's a starter, probably, but if Bennett and Hester are getting more reps than he is, maybe not. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ChicagoAl
Joined: 10 Jan 2008
Posts: 7060
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 3:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| Madmike90 wrote: | | IronMike84 wrote: | | Madmike90 wrote: | | I feel Bennett will win out in the battle between himself & Jeffery…his experience & route running will give him an advantage over Jeffery in camp…I do expect tho that Jeffery will move to the #2 spot with Bennett sliding in to the slot when we go to 3 receiver sets. |
I think the fanbase is going to expect too much too soon from Jeffery. He has great potential, but there has been this perception floating around Chicago for some time that "tall/big" guys are the end-all of receivers, invincible pass-catching machines who are superior to smaller receivers in every way. His contributions likely will grow as the season progresses, but I suspect we will hear some grumblings if he doesn't light it up right out of the gates. |
I agree…the simple fact is that the majority of rookies need time to adjust to the NFL level…Jeffery won’t be any different IMO…for example we saw him at OTAs cramping up…that was because he wasn’t used to having to push his body quite as hard when he was in college…that will intensify when it comes to training camp and certainly when it comes to live game action…it’s going to take time unless he is one of the rare exceptions at the WR spot. |
The cramping is likely related to the his quick weight loss. I doubt there was anything in the OTA which pushed him harder than college practice. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Madmike90
Joined: 25 Jan 2009
Posts: 18563
Location: Scotland
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 5:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| ChicagoAl wrote: | | Madmike90 wrote: | | IronMike84 wrote: | | Madmike90 wrote: | | I feel Bennett will win out in the battle between himself & Jeffery…his experience & route running will give him an advantage over Jeffery in camp…I do expect tho that Jeffery will move to the #2 spot with Bennett sliding in to the slot when we go to 3 receiver sets. |
I think the fanbase is going to expect too much too soon from Jeffery. He has great potential, but there has been this perception floating around Chicago for some time that "tall/big" guys are the end-all of receivers, invincible pass-catching machines who are superior to smaller receivers in every way. His contributions likely will grow as the season progresses, but I suspect we will hear some grumblings if he doesn't light it up right out of the gates. |
I agree…the simple fact is that the majority of rookies need time to adjust to the NFL level…Jeffery won’t be any different IMO…for example we saw him at OTAs cramping up…that was because he wasn’t used to having to push his body quite as hard when he was in college…that will intensify when it comes to training camp and certainly when it comes to live game action…it’s going to take time unless he is one of the rare exceptions at the WR spot. |
The cramping is likely related to the his quick weight loss. I doubt there was anything in the OTA which pushed him harder than college practice. |
Losing weight helps prevent muscle cramping as your muscle aren’t under as much pressure the lighter you are…as long as you are well hydrated and don’t have any underlying physical condition cramping is mainly caused by not warming up your muscles properly or pushing your muscles too hard when lactic acid has already began to build up…the fact Jeffery has only worked out for his pro day and not to be in actual football shape since the end of last season could have been the biggest factor in his cramping…but we will know for sure if it’s a recurring problem come TC…hopefully not. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
AZBearsFan
Joined: 04 Feb 2006
Posts: 8901
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 5:19 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| IronMike84 wrote: | | Madmike90 wrote: | | I feel Bennett will win out in the battle between himself & Jeffery…his experience & route running will give him an advantage over Jeffery in camp…I do expect tho that Jeffery will move to the #2 spot with Bennett sliding in to the slot when we go to 3 receiver sets. |
I think the fanbase is going to expect too much too soon from Jeffery. He has great potential, but there has been this perception floating around Chicago for some time that "tall/big" guys are the end-all of receivers, invincible pass-catching machines who are superior to smaller receivers in every way. His contributions likely will grow as the season progresses, but I suspect we will hear some grumblings if he doesn't light it up right out of the gates. |
I have high expectations for him. Not Marshall like expectations, but I think expecting him to be a real asset isn't too far fetched. A few factors in his favor as I see it:
1) I expect him to come in with a chip on his shoulder
-Took lots of criticism during draft process
-Probably expected to be (and should have been IMO) a 1st rd pick
2) Opportunity
-No Knox, and Hester annually shows to be little more than just a guy at WR
-Big target against smaller CBs
-Will certainly see red zone reps (how do you defend the size of 15, 17 and 87 inside the 20? We should win a ton of jump balls as a team down there IMO since we should always have at least one favorable matchup)
-Jay is good for ~330 completions, 230 of which will not go to Marshall. Even if 22 and 80 net 100 of those combined, that leaves 130 to split amongst primarily AJ, Hester, Davis and Bush. Seeing that, this isn't crazy IMO:
AJ 50
Davis 40
Hester 20
Bush 10
Other 10
50 catches is 3 a game basically. For a guy who will be a size matchup nightmare for any #2 corner with a QB who loves letting his big receivers go up and make plays that doesn't sound even remotely crazy to me, even if he is a rookie. If he earns the trust of Jay and Tice/Bates in TC big things are certainly within reach for him IMO. Whether that means big yards or not is certainly up in the air, but he should definitely score some TDs in the red zone even if he doesn't see the field anywhere else.
_________________
| GRRLacher wrote: | | I told you guys AZ was awesome...he in fact makes triple the pay I get for moderating here. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Madmike90
Joined: 25 Jan 2009
Posts: 18563
Location: Scotland
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 5:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| AZBearsFan wrote: | | 50 catches is 3 a game basically. For a guy who will be a size matchup nightmare for any #2 corner with a QB who loves letting his big receivers go up and make plays that doesn't sound even remotely crazy to me, even if he is a rookie. If he earns the trust of Jay and Tice/Bates in TC big things are certainly within reach for him IMO. Whether that means big yards or not is certainly up in the air, but he should definitely score some TDs in the red zone even if he doesn't see the field anywhere else. |
I wouldn’t really call 50 catches high expectations…as you said that’s only around 3 a game…Johnny Knox had 45 receptions as a rookie…I would expect those kind of numbers and a fair few TDs next season because again as you said he will really add value in the redzone...
My worry would be if people expect him to have an AJ Green or even Julio Jones impact…I think that would be asking a little too much...considering both missed a little time are were a little beat up they were outstanding. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
AZBearsFan
Joined: 04 Feb 2006
Posts: 8901
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 6:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| Madmike90 wrote: | | AZBearsFan wrote: | | 50 catches is 3 a game basically. For a guy who will be a size matchup nightmare for any #2 corner with a QB who loves letting his big receivers go up and make plays that doesn't sound even remotely crazy to me, even if he is a rookie. If he earns the trust of Jay and Tice/Bates in TC big things are certainly within reach for him IMO. Whether that means big yards or not is certainly up in the air, but he should definitely score some TDs in the red zone even if he doesn't see the field anywhere else. |
I wouldn’t really call 50 catches high expectations…as you said that’s only around 3 a game…Johnny Knox had 45 receptions as a rookie…I would expect those kind of numbers and a fair few TDs next season because again as you said he will really add value in the redzone...
My worry would be if people expect him to have an AJ Green or even Julio Jones impact…I think that would be asking a little too much...considering both missed a little time are were a little beat up they were outstanding. |
I think that all depends on his role. I think most expect him to be in our top 3 WR, but if he is a 16 week starter at #2 WR then 50 catches could very possibly be low.
_________________
| GRRLacher wrote: | | I told you guys AZ was awesome...he in fact makes triple the pay I get for moderating here. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
IronMike84
Joined: 17 Jun 2009
Posts: 5910
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 9:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
Thing is, we don't know what Jeffery's role will be. Many people felt Jeffery was an instant starter going into and coming out of the draft, but the Bears typically don't annoint rookies as starters going into camp, and they're usually leery of throwing rookies into the fire if a capable starter is in place.
Jeffery will get his reps, and I think he can be a starter before The year is over, but there is zero guarantee that he will play a major role on opening day, so let's not count our chickens. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
AZBearsFan
Joined: 04 Feb 2006
Posts: 8901
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
| IronMike84 wrote: | Thing is, we don't know what Jeffery's role will be. Many people felt Jeffery was an instant starter going into and coming out of the draft, but the Bears typically don't annoint rookies as starters going into camp, and they're usually leery of throwing rookies into the fire if a capable starter is in place.
Jeffery will get his reps, and I think he can be a starter before The year is over, but there is zero guarantee that he will play a major role on opening day, so let's not count our chickens. |
I think those thoughts were only reaffirmed for people when Jeffery saw significant time with the 1's at OTAs. When he sees time against 2nd stringers in preseason (which he almost certainly will) I expect him to do big things there and that will only enhance expectations further.
_________________
| GRRLacher wrote: | | I told you guys AZ was awesome...he in fact makes triple the pay I get for moderating here. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Madmike90
Joined: 25 Jan 2009
Posts: 18563
Location: Scotland
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:06 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
Can't believe it's only 3 weeks today till the preseason opener  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DaMike
Joined: 21 Nov 2010
Posts: 3345
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 9:46 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
| I wouldnt be surprised to see a combined 1000 yards and 5+ TDs out of Jeffery and Rodriguez. Dont sleep on Rodriguez. I think he's going to see the field this season and contribute. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
