Bears OTA overview: Fields-Moore connection makes big splash originally appeared nbc sports chicago
Lake Forest, Ill. — Justin Fields and (most of) the 2023 Bears took the field at Halas Hall this week as the third leg of the offseason program gets underway.
The half-speed run game featured plenty of work in Tuesday’s practice as the Bears build things up from the ground up.
When the Bears worked on their passing game, connection with fields New star wide receiver DJ Moore was prominently featured. Moore connected down the field five times during four different seasons, including a 45-yard(ish) strike during a two-minute drill at the end of practice.
Moore beat cornerback Kindel Wildor with a double move down the sideline, and Fields hit him in stride to force the offense into the red zone.
“It was a little higher than yesterday,” Fields said when asked whether Tuesday’s relationship with Moore was typical in these early stages. “I think most of the plays we had yesterday weren’t going to him. So we had a lot of one-and-one things for him, so it was good to be on the same page. Even though we have a concept — front-end and then face-to-face, I’m definitely going to be working more to get those reps now. So when the season rolls around, we’re on the same page, and we have that Connection underway.”
With starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson not in attendance and rookie Tyreek Stevenson still working his way up the depth chart, Moore spent most of Tuesday’s practice going up against Wildor, Jaylon Jones, Michael Ojemudia and Greg Stroman Jr.
While Moore had the upper hand for most of the day, two quick hitch routes were almost nullified with Ojemudia and Stroman each jumping the route and fumbling the ball away.
Besides, it was a good day for the Moore-Fields connection.
On one rep, Moore used his speed to create separation on the quick oblique. Fields kept it to the numbers, and Moore quickly mocked Stevenson before scalping him for a solid advantage.
Fields and Moore would continue to build on their chemistry over the next month. Moore plans to optimize everything until the Bears break in for the summer.
“how long?” When asked about building a good relationship with Fields, Moore said. “I’d probably start by the end of OTAs and through minicamp and then back up, you know you get that break, and then you have to start it all over again. Going into training camp, probably about two To get three days from now we are back on track ending at OTA.”
Connected: Five key position battles to watch during the Bears’ OTAs
Here are some more notes from the first media viewing session at OTA:
– Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, right guard Nate Davis, safety Eddie Jackson, and wide receiver Darnell Mooney were not in attendance on Tuesday. Workouts are voluntary. Both Jackson and Mooney are rehabbing from season-ending injuries they suffered in the Bears’ Week 12 loss to the New York Jets last season.
Head coach Matt Eberflus gave a positive update on his way back to the field.
“They’re making progress,” Eberflus said. “All I can say is that they are moving in exactly the direction they should have been and it is all positive and we expect them to be back soon. When they come back, they will come back. “
Johnson is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Despite the cornerback’s absence, Eberflus doesn’t expect this to be a precursor to a contract holdout.
“I don’t see it that way,” Eberflus said.
– On the field, linebacker Tremaine Edmonds played the defense of the day. The Bears’ big-ticket free agent picked off backup quarterback PJ Walker during a two-minute drill and hauled it back for a crucial comeback that ended with a defense celebration in the opposite end zone.
— Tight end Cole Kemet made some nice catches Tuesday, including a strike down the seam from Fields to close out one of the 11-on-11 drills.
– For the most part, Fields was the exact Tuesday the Bears elected to throw. But he found two notable lapses. Fields dropped a throw high and wide to Chase Claypool and later in practice slightly overthrew rookie Tyler Scott on a deep go ball.
Claypool intercepted a few passes over the middle and was praised by both Eberflus and Fields for his off-season work ethic and positive attitude.
— With Davis absent, J’Tyre Carter got the right guard snap with the first team. Lucas Patrick also rotated, while Taven Jenkins and Cody Whitehair worked at left guard and center, respectively.
— Running back D’Onta Foreman dropped a pass, prompting some OTA push-ups.
– Stroman stripped tight end Jake Tonges, leading to a recovery by rookie Noah Sewell.
– It’s almost pointless to gauge line play without pads, but rookie Gervon Dexter and defensive end DeMarcus Walker had some good reps during an 11-on-11, including a Walker blowout by left guard Alex Leatherwood that was a sure shot. There would have been a sack. ,
– The next media viewing session will be on Wednesday, May 31.
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