RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesThe Chicago Bears wrapped their first four practices of training camp at Halas Hall, where there were some notable headlines and storylines before the pads come on Monday.
The first three days of training camp was dominated by the offense, where quarterback Caleb Williams and the passing game appeared unstoppable at times. Williams spread the ball around to his arsenal of weapons, and Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland and Kalif Raymond all shined. But the defense finally stepped up on Day 4, where they finally won a practice amid sloppy, rainy conditions. With the pads set to come on Monday, things are about to ramp up.
With the first four practices of camp in the books, here's a look at the biggest winners and losers so far this summer.
Winner: QB Caleb Williams
With the exception of Saturday's soggy practice, Caleb Williams has been near-flawless to open training camp. Williams has led a dominant passing game, spreading the ball around to his array of weapons, including receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, as well as tight end Colston Loveland. Williams has been sharp, accurate and confident. According to one fan, @CalebIsHim , "Without a doubt Caleb Williams is playing miles better than a single training camp I’ve seen from last year. It’s quite literally a different QB over last offseason." Williams' leadership was also on display when during Friday's practice he got fired up at his teammates when they weren't lined up right. To close out the week, cornerback Jaylon Johnson hailed Williams as the best quarterback he's ever played with in Chicago.
Loser: CB Kyler Gordon
Cornerback Kyler Gordon has been one of the biggest losers of the offseason, and that's carrying over into training camp. Gordon started the summer on the physically unable to perform list with a calf injury, and he's missed the first four practices. The frustration has been evident from the coaching staff, and it's also opened the door for a competition at nickel cornerback. Jaylon Jones and Cam Lewis have primarily worked with the first-team defense in the first four practices. While Gordon will have an opportunity to win back his role -- there's no denying he's the best -- he's going to have to earn back the trust of this coaching staff. That starts with getting back on the field.
Winner: TE Colston Loveland
After his sensational rookie season, it shouldn't come as a surprise that tight end Colston Loveland has been an early standout during training camp. Loveland's connection with Caleb Williams continues to thrive, and he's been a popular target in what's been a dominant passing game. 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." Clay Harbor noted that Loveland "looks bigger running good routes soft natural hands lining up everywhere." It's been another strong start for Chicago's breakout candidate.
Loser: RB Kyle Monangai
The Bears were pretty lucky in terms of injuries to start training camp, where the only notable absence -- outside of those on the non-football injury and physically unable to perform lists -- was running back Kyle Monangai. After appearing for Day 1 of camp, Monangai missed three consecutive practices. With Monangai sidelined, veteran Salvon Ahmed got an opportunity to work with the second-team offense. During Friday's practice, per 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." While Monangai will no doubt be the RB2 when he returns, it's allowing other players a chance to shine.
Winner: Bears receivers
Every day through the first four practices, there was at least one Bears receiver among the biggest studs. There's a reason that the passing game, with the exception of Saturday's rain-soaked practice, has dominated so far in training camp. Rome Odunze was praised for the first three practices of camp, where he's looked "healthy and explosive," per Clay Harbor . Luther Burden III is primed for a breakout season, and he hasn't disappointed so far this summer. He's become a favorite target for Caleb Williams, as one of the most targeted pass catchers. Mark Carman noted that Burden is "just starting to tap into his potential. Still learning," which bodes well for the future.
Veteran newcomer Kalif Raymond was the standout on Thursday, which was a "highlight day" for Raymond, per Brad Biggs , catching passes from Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent. 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." Even Jahdae Walker and rookie Zavion Thomas have impressed as they work primarily with backup quarterback Tyson Bagent.
Loser: OL Kiran Amegadjie
The Bears have another open battle for the starting left tackle job, and despite failing to make an impact last summer in this very competition, former third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie already appears behind. After Braxton Jones worked with the starters for the first two days, Amegadjie got his opportunity on Friday, and it was a rough showing. He struggled during 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 certainly notable that Amegadjie actually got work with the first-team offense, but he's going to need a stronger showing, especially once the pad...
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