Some early observations from Bears training camp
BY SEAN JENSEN sjensen@suntimes.com August 2, 2011 12:24PM
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte catches a ball during NFL football training camp on Sunday, July 31, 2011, at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
- Bears blog: News, updates throughout the day
- Rookie WR making an impression
- Gabe Carimi looks like he belongs
- Martz: Chris Spencer will have to earn starting spot
Article Extras
Updated: August 3, 2011 5:09PM
It was a muggy Monday night here at ONU, under the lights. Several of the players complained coming off the field, including second-round pick Stephen Paea.
THE HIGHS
--The best play I saw tonight was by Jimmy Young, a 6 foot 1, undrafted rookie receiver out of TCU. He looked over one shoulder then the other and still made the catch. Very high degree of difficulty, and he didn’t bobble it at all.
--Undrafted rookie receiver Dane Sanzenbacher out of Ohio State also made a handful of catches, looking very solid out there. He also took advantage of Roy Williams and Sam Hurd not being able to practice until Thursday, running with the starters when Johnny Knox had to get worked on briefly on the sideline.
--Nickel corner D.J. Moore picked off a pass from quarterback Matt Gutierrez. Moore made the catch look routine, which makes him such an exciting player, as he showcased often last year.
--Running back Matt Forte, who is cut up like a rock, showed his explosiveness down the left sideline. It wasn’t full contact, but he definitely seemed to surprise safety Major WRight with his speed.
--Receiver Devin Hester hauled in a 50-plus yard touchdown. He made it look easy.
THE LOWS
--Cornerback Tim Jennings had a forgettable evening, giving up a handful of plays in a one-on-one drill. Jennings was also beaten on Hester’s 50-yard touchdown. And he also dropped a pick.
--The equipment staff might want to fit rookie offensive tackle Gabe Carimi with some new cleats. He slipped several times during two-on-two blocking drills. Or maybe it’s because Israel Idonije and Corey Wootton just overwhelmed him.
--Left guard Chris Williams, who is currently running with the starters, ended up on the ground on consecutive plays during two-on-twos.
--It was a bit frustrating, since so many key players can’t practice until Thursday, due to the new CBA rules. So fans -- and reporters -- who showed up didn’t get to check out receiver Roy Williams jump over defenders, Adam Podlesh drop a punt inside the five, or how Chris Spencer looks snapping the ball.
--Punter Spencer Lanning looked solid.
Game ball goes to... the young kid. Dane Sanzenbacher. I’m sure he’ll cry when we give him the award.
