RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 5 sourcesThe Chicago Bears were back for the third practice of training camp on Friday, which welcomed fans to Halas Hall for the first open workout of the summer.
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.
Here's what we learned from the third practice of training camp:
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.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 takeaways from Day 3 of Chicago Bears training camp
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