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The Chicago Bears were back at Halas Hall for their third practice of training camp on Friday. After two closed practices, the team welcomed fans for the first time this summer on Day 3.
The Bears put on a show for the fans on Day 3, which was dominated by the offense and featured several standout performances. Quarterback Caleb Williams is off to a hot start this training camp, and his connection continues to grow with his returning cast of weapons in Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. There was also an interesting left tackle battle update, where for the first time this summer it wasn't Braxton Jones running with the first team. Meanwhile, the defense put up a bit of a fight during red zone drills, where Williams threw his first interception of camp.
Let's recap Day 3 of Bears training camp:
The only notable absence from Friday's practice was running back Kyle Monangai, who was not spotted on the field for the second straight day. The players previously announced on the non-football injury and physically unable to perform lists were sidelined: linebacker T.J. Edwards, cornerback Kyler Gordon, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, safety Elijah Hicks, linebackers Keyshaun Elliott and Noah Sewell and defensive end Shemar Turner.
The Bears return to the practice field on Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. CT for their fourth consecutive practice to open camp. It's the second public practice of the summer. Stay tuned for live updates here on Bears Wire.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Recapping Day 3 of Chicago Bears training camp
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The Bears put on a show for the fans on Day 3, which was dominated by the offense and featured several standout performances. Quarterback Caleb Williams is off to a hot start this training camp, and his connection continues to grow with his returning cast of weapons in Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. There was also an interesting left tackle battle update, where for the first time this summer it wasn't Braxton Jones running with the first team. Meanwhile, the defense put up a bit of a fight during red zone drills, where Williams threw his first interception of camp.
Let's recap Day 3 of Bears training camp:
Takeaways
- Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent shined: The Bears offense has overwhelmingly dominated the first three practices of training camp, although the defense has had a few moments. On Friday, it was quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent putting on a show for fans leading Chicago's explosive passing attack that's remained mostly unstoppable. According to Chris Kwiecinski, "Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent stole the show. They were in command, deadly accurate and anticipated routes so well." Williams' connection with Colston Loveland and Rome Odunze thrived while Bagent developed a nice rapport with Jahdae Walker, per Michal Dwojak. Even after Williams threw his first interception of the summer to Jaylon Johnson during red zone work, he "regrouped and made positive plays after."
- Mixed bag for offense in red zone: The Bears offense had another impressive showing, but their one flaw came during the first red zone period, which was dominated by the defense. According to Courtney Cronin, both Montez Sweat and Austin Booker had sacks on back-to-back plays. Williams was picked off by cornerback Jaylon Johnson during a 7-on-7 red-zone drill, but he was able to bounce back later. Mark Carman noted that there was "some sloppiness in the red zone" where "Caleb showed some frustration and leadership." But the offense closed things out on a strong note with a successful two-minute drill, where there was 1:37 left, two timeouts, on own 39 with game tied at 10-10, per Adam Jahns. They went sox plays before Williams connected with Loveland for a 14-yard touchdown. But the best part according to Jahns? "Williams and Bears offense overcame a sack halfway through the drill. Williams-Loveland connection came through."
- Colston Loveland dominated: The connection between Caleb Williams and Colston Loveland is going to give defensive coordinators plenty of fits this season, never mind the rest of the weapons at Williams' disposal. But on Friday, it was the chemistry between Williams and Loveland that stood apart, even as Rome Odunze, Luther Burden and Jahdae Walker also shined. According to Chris Emma, "those two have their connection going early in camp." Loveland was on the receiving end of multiple touchdowns from Williams on Day 3, including the highlight of the day with "Williams laser(ing) a pass through traffic to Colston Loveland for a touchdown." Per Mark Carman, "Loveland got the ball a ton, again. High point catches look natural." At one point, Loveland caught three of Williams' last four passes, a sign "that connection continues to grow," per Nicholas Moreano.
- Left tackle competition takes interesting turn: The battle for the starting left tackle job is an important one to monitor this offseason, and while Braxton Jones has long been expected to be the favorite for the role, the Bears are bringing competition for him. After Jones got all of the reps with the first-team offense on Days 1 and 2, it was former third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie getting most of the reps with the starters on Friday. Jones and Jedrick Wills Jr. also rotated in with the first team, per Adam Jahns. It was a rough showing for Amegadjie, who struggled in a non-padded practice against Austin Booker, who beat him a couple times and forced Caleb Williams out of the pocket, according to Zack Pearson. It's highly unlike that Amegadjie wins this role -- heck, he might not even make the roster -- but Ben Johnson is giving everyone an opportunity to win the job.
- Salvon Ahmed gets opportunity with Kyle Monangai sidelined: Kyle Monangai remained sidelined for the second straight practice, which opened the door for veteran Salvon Ahmed to shine during Friday's workout. According to Chris Emma, "Ahmed is getting a good audition out of the Bears’ backfield. He’s healthy again and looking to showcase his better form from the past." Greg Braggs noted that Ahmed had "some giddy up to his step." Ahmed had a long run with the second-team offense, per Brad Biggs. While there's no question that Monangai is RB2 when he returns to the field, this is a good opportunity for some other guys to get looks and make a case for a roster spot. Ahmed will battle the likes of Roschon Johnson and Brittain Brown for that third running back role, and this is a good start for the veteran back. -- Alyssa Barbieri
Studs
- QB Caleb Williams: It's safe to say Caleb Williams is dialed in to start training camp. The third-year quarterback seems to have gotten past the growing pains that plagued him his first couple years in camp and came out firing. Williams was sharp with his footwork, as noted by X user @Ilannfl18, and was putting the ball on the money to his receivers. There were numerous plays where Williams found tight end Colston Loveland and delivered dots to Rome Odunze and Luther Burden. With fans in the stands, there were many highlights being shared across social media, like this dart to Odunze from X user Sam (@CalebIsHim). Even Williams' leadership was on display when he got fired up at his teammates for not being aligned properly. The only mistake Williams seemed to make was throwing an interception to cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Other than that, the Iceman was cool and crisp in the summer heat on Friday.
- TE Colston Loveland: The Caleb to Colston connection is alive and well. Williams stood out in part due to the play of Colston Loveland, who was gathering in targets left and right during Friday's practice. According to CHGO's Adam Jahns,Loveland caught at least three touchdowns on the day, both in and outside of the red zone, and Bear Report's Zack Pearson mentioned he had four receptions on the end-of-half drill. Meanwhile, Sam caught this leaping grab on video with two defenders in the vicinity. Loveland appeared to be getting the most targets on the day and is proving to be a dangerous weapon early in camp. This very well could be a preview of what's to come in the fall.
- QB Tyson Bagent: Williams wasn't the only quarterback lighting up the practice field. Backup Tyson Bagent was also dialed in while working with the second-team offense. According to CHGO's Greg Braggs Jr., Bagent delivered three good passes to wide receiver Jahdae Walker during a series. REKAP's Nicholas Moreano noted a pass to Maurice Alexander, while Pearson saw Bagent handle a low snap with ease to fire a touchdown to wide receiver Kaden Davis. Both quarterbacks are proving they're able to handle the offense early.
- WR Jahdae Walker: With Loveland, Burden, Odunze, and even Kalif Raymond, it can be easy to forget about Jahdae Walker being in the mix. He made sure to remind everyone what he's capable of doing on the field. Walker shined with Bagent as the two established a strong connection, but Williams also found him early in the session, according to 104.3 The Score's Chris Emma. Fans in attendance noticed Walker's talent, with Ilan noting he has a clear difference in talent than some of the other receivers. Walker made a name for himself during last year's camp and is out to show it wasn't a fluke.
- RB Salvon Ahmed: The only additional absence from Bears training camp outside of the players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) and non-football injury (NFI) lists was running back Kyle Monangai, who missed his second practice in a row. With the team's RB2 on the sideline, veteran Salvon Ahmed got the first look at running back. Ahmed, who signed with the Bears in the spring and hasn't appeared in a game since 2023 due to injuries, had a long run during practice, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.Ahmed showcased his speed now that he's fully healthy. Braggs noted Ahmed has some "giddy up" to his step, which the Bears may find enticing as a third option behind Monangai and D'Andre Swift. -- Brendan Sugrue
Injury updates
The only notable absence from Friday's practice was running back Kyle Monangai, who was not spotted on the field for the second straight day. The players previously announced on the non-football injury and physically unable to perform lists were sidelined: linebacker T.J. Edwards, cornerback Kyler Gordon, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, safety Elijah Hicks, linebackers Keyshaun Elliott and Noah Sewell and defensive end Shemar Turner.
Highlights
Press conferences (Ben Johnson, Darnell Wright, Braxton Jones, D'Marco Jackson)
What's next
The Bears return to the practice field on Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. CT for their fourth consecutive practice to open camp. It's the second public practice of the summer. Stay tuned for live updates here on Bears Wire.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Recapping Day 3 of Chicago Bears training camp
Continue reading...
