2021 NFL training camp is underway and the Chicago Bears are preparing for the new season. After making a big splash in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Bears hope to make a deeper run in the playoffs this year. They play in a tough NFC North division though, so everyone on the roster will have to step their game up.
Luckily for the Bears, there is some good news coming out of training camp. The star players are shining while others on the team are making some noise themselves. It'll be interesting to see how the Bears do this season, as they are certainly a playoff contender.
Although the offensive line might need some work, there is some relatively great news surfacing for Chicago's offense. The coaching staff is enjoying some healthy competition in the quarterback position.
Meanwhile, the Bears could have a much improved passing attack due to the emergence of one wide receiver. Additionally, the Bears might be fine on defense, as a veteran linebacker has become a steady option so far. With that said, here are three pleasant surprises in the Bears training camp.
Bears Offense:
Justin Fields
The Chicago Bears' first-round selection, Justin Fields came into this organization with high expectations. He fell in the draft further than he should have, but after failing to acquire Russell Wilson via trade, the Bears were able to secure a rookie with a ton of potential. The Bears coaching staff has already made it clear that Andy Dalton will be the starter come Week 1, but Fields is making that decision more questionable by the day.
Justin Fields has been lights out in training camp, but the Bears are taking the right approach in taking their time with him. Many believed Fields was one of the best quarterbacks in his draft class and he's been proving that with stellar play in training camp. Even so, there is no guarantee we see Fields play this year, as Chicago wants to take their time with their new rookie quarterback. At the same time, Fields gives the Bears a bright future fans should be excited about.
Darnell Mooney
Selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Darnell Mooney has become a pleasant surprise so far in his career. After recording 61 receptions, 631 yards, and four touchdowns in his rookie campaign, Mooney broke the receiving rookie record in Chicago's franchise history. Now, entering his second year, Mooney continues to impress the coaching staff through training camp.
Apparently, Mooney's route running is one of the best on the Bears right now. The coaching staff is excited about his potential as they believe Mooney can be a great compliment to Allen Robinson, with the potential to become the top receiver in Chicago one day. After dealing with poor quarterback play last season, Darnell Mooney should be in for an improved year. Whether it's Dalton or Fields under center, it shouldn't matter, as Mooney will be a focal point of the Bears passing attack regardless.
Bears Defense
Alec Ogletree
Alec Ogletree was originally brought in as an extra veteran to generate some competition. However, according to USA Today, the veteran linebacker is proving to be much more than that, as he has been balling out in training camp so far. So much so, that it'd be a shock if Alec Ogletree is cut. He's making plays, especially in pass coverage. This means Ogletree could earn himself a role whenever an opponent is in an obvious passing situation.
He's entering the ninth year of his career, and after having a rough go with the New York Jets in 2020, it appears that Alec Ogletree still has some gas left in the tank. We'll see if he can carve out a role, but Ogletree is in line to make the Bears' final roster.
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