RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesThe Chicago Bears were back at Halas Hall for their second practice of training camp on Thursday. After a short, lighter practice to open the summer, things ramped up on Day 2, and there were plenty of notable headlines and standout players.
It was a strong day for Ben Johnson's offense, which won the day against the defense. Not only that, but they gave the defense fits in coverage with their speedy, versatile weapons and a young quarterback in Caleb Williams who had one of his better practices with Chicago. Veteran newcomer Kalif Raymond was the standout, and his chemistry with Williams is already flourishing. Meanwhile, there were some interesting updates among several position battles at nickel cornerback and left tackle.
Let's recap Day 2 of Bears training camp:
What we learned
Offense is way ahead of the defense : For the first time in a long time, the offense is ahead of the defense, according to the media at Thursday's practice. Zack Pearson noted it was an "good day overall for the offense" while the defense struggled to contain quarterback Caleb Williams' plethora of weapons, including wide receivers Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Kalif Raymond, and tight end Colston Loveland. According to Bear Report , it was "encouraging for the offense. Not so much for defense." In fact, Mark Carman said he's "not sure the Bears can cover anyone."
Caleb Williams had one of his better practices : When the offense has a great day, that usually means quarterback Caleb Williams is responsible. That was the case during Thursday's practice, and Adam Hoge said it was "one of Caleb Williams' better practices." Williams completed well over 70 percent of his passes -- which remains the goal from Ben Johnson for his young quarterback -- and only had four incompletions, per Hoge. Two of those were tipped at the line of scrimmage while the other was an overthrow on a free play. Added Clay Harbor : "He was decisive, accurate and in command. Very few balls hit the ground, and you can see how much more comfortable he is operating Ben’s offense."
Kalif Raymond was a standout : Kalif Raymond had "a really impressive showing."a really good day," per 79th & Halas . He "made several catches," according to Sean Hammond . Brad Biggs said it was a "highlight day" for Raymond catching passes from Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent. But the biggest came on a 54-yard bomb for a touchdown from Williams during 11-on-11 over cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, according to CHGO's Adam Jahns. Noted Clay Harbor : "He was one of the biggest winners of practice. Looked very quick great routes." It likely won't be the last time we hear that this summer.
Other standouts on offense : Receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, as well as tight end Colston Loveland, were all praised by the media for their performance. According to Clay Harbor , Odunze "looked explosive again. Another strong day with multiple catches and continued to separate consistently," Burden "keeps flashing. Clean routes, explosive after the catch on a reverse, and continues building chemistry with Caleb. He’s a dog," and Loveland "made one of the better catches of the day, laying out for a deep out route. Had a very nice day himself."
Nickel cornerback battle update : With Kyler Gordon struggling with another soft tissue injury, the battle for nickel cornerback has heated up at training camp. On Wednesday, it was Jaylon Jones getting a bulk of the work with the first-team defense while Cam Lewis, Josh Blackwell and rookie Malik Muhammad worked in. But it was Jones and Lewis working with the starters during Thursday's practice, according to Zack Pearson . Meanwhile, it was Blackwell working with the second team.
Left tackle competition update : Braxton Jones continued to get reps with the first-team offense on Thursday, after a full workload on Wednesday, although Jedrick Wills Jr. did work one rep with the starters, according to Adam Jahns , before the second team fully took the field during team period. Wills worked with the second-team offense with Kiran Amegadjie working with the 3s, which was flipped from Wednesday's practice, per Courtney Cronin . Interestingly enough, Theo Benedet worked at right tackle with the second team for the past two days, noted Brad Biggs . -- Alyssa Barbieri
Standouts
WR Kalif Raymond : If there is a star of the day, it's wide receiver Kalif Raymond. The former Detroit Lion who signed with the Bears back in March is establishing a nice connection with both Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent. Raymond was on the receiving end of the biggest play of the day, where he hauled in a 54-yard pass from Williams in 11-on-11s over cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, according to CHGO's Adam Jahns. Other reporters in attendance, such as Bear Report's Zack Pearson and CHGO's Mark Carman, observed Raymond making plenty of catches during other drills as well. It was a good day for the seasoned veteran.
TE Colston Loveland : Second-year tight end Colston Loveland made his presence known on Thursday with a few catches, including a diving reception from Williams during practice. Pearson notes Loveland made the grab while rookie safety Dillon Thieneman was in coverage. Hopes are high for Loveland going into his second season, and he's set to be a focal point of the offense after a big rookie year. Expect to see more plays like the diving grab he made on Thursday when the regular season begins.
S Coby Bryant : The defense didn't have the best day on Thursday, but there were still notable plays made, particularly by safety Coby Bryant. According to FOX 32's Devan Kaney ...
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