The buzz around Lake Forest is growing louder, and the Chicago Bears are finally back in pads. As the first week of training camp concludes, the energy at Halas Hall is electric, and no one’s got a sharper lens on the daily grind than Sun-Times beat writer Patrick Finley. From breakout performances to depth chart surprises, Finley’s coverage captures not just the highlight-reel moments, but also the subtle, gritty details that shape this team’s future. And if the early days are any indicator, head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles may be cooking up something far more competitive than last year’s rebuilding campaign.
Let’s start with quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick who carries the expectations of a city still dreaming of stability at the position. Finley points out that Williams has been everything advertised in flashes—commanding, accurate, and bold. But the Bears haven’t shied away from testing their prized rookie. They’ve thrown complex defensive looks at him early and often. Finley notes how defensive coordinator Eric Washington’s unit disguised blitzes and shuffled coverage pre-snap, forcing Williams to react rather than rely on scripted reads. While Williams has had moments of hesitation, he’s also shown the uncanny ability to extend plays and make accurate throws on the run, especially in red-zone drills.
Finley’s reporting also hones in on the developing chemistry between Williams and his receiving corps, especially newcomer Keenan Allen and ascending talent DJ Moore. The trio’s timing is improving, and Williams seems to already trust Moore on back-shoulder throws and contested catches. Finley writes that Allen’s route-running precision has been a safety net for the rookie, while rookie Rome Odunze has been catching eyes with his size and contested catch ability. The battle for WR3 and WR4 slots is heating up as well, with Tyler Scott and Velus Jones Jr. showing bursts of explosiveness that could earn them roles in the rotation or on special teams.
Finley’s observations about the offensive line are telling. With veteran Cody Whitehair released in the offseason, the interior of the line has been a focus point. Rookie center Doug Kramer is getting reps with the first team, and Finley describes his communication as “advanced beyond his years.” However, his anchor in pass protection is still developing. Teven Jenkins, now fully healthy, has looked like a bully in run-blocking, regularly clearing lanes during team drills. Braxton Jones continues to solidify his status as the starting left tackle, but Finley notes that the staff is watching his footwork against speed rushers closely.
On the defensive side, Finley’s analysis praises the aggressiveness and cohesion of the front seven. Montez Sweat looks dominant off the edge, terrorizing tackles with a blend of speed and power. But Finley singles out rookie Austin Booker as a surprise standout. Drafted in the fifth round, Booker has made the most of his reps, flashing a relentless motor and an ability to convert speed to power. While still raw, he’s already drawn praise from position coaches for his understanding of leverage and pad level. At defensive tackle, Gervon Dexter’s emergence has been noticeable, and Finley believes he could anchor the run defense if his conditioning holds up over time.
Linebacker play, a sore spot at times last year, has taken a noticeable leap. Tremaine Edmunds looks more comfortable in his second camp with the team, showing better communication and fluidity in coverage. Finley highlights that Edmunds and T.J. Edwards are working well in tandem, particularly in nickel packages, where they’ve been tasked with covering tight ends and backs out of the backfield. Jack Sanborn, meanwhile, is pushing hard for snaps and continues to play with the intensity that made him a fan favorite last season. According to Finley, it’s one of the most competitive positions on the roster right now.
In the secondary, Finley’s eye has been on cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who has taken a noticeable leap from his rookie year. Matched up often against Moore and Allen, Stevenson hasn’t backed down and has even picked off Williams once in a situational drill. Kyler Gordon continues to be a menace in the slot, jumping routes and delivering the kind of hits that draw sideline cheers. Finley also notes that Jaylon Johnson’s leadership is becoming more vocal this year. His contract status remains unresolved, but his play is all-in, which sends a strong message.
At safety, Jaquan Brisker is playing like a man possessed. Finley reports that Brisker has been flying to the ball, showing better anticipation, and communicating more effectively with Eddie Jackson. Health is always the concern for the back end, and Finley indicates that the staff is being strategic with reps for the veteran Jackson, who’s coming off another injury-plagued season. Elijah Hicks and rookie Kitan Oladapo are getting extra snaps, and Finley says both have flashed, with Oladapo nearly coming down with an interception in 7-on-7 drills.
Special teams, often overlooked, has received significant attention from Finley as well. Cairo Santos remains consistent on field goals, and punter Trenton Gill has improved directional kicking and hang time. Return duties are still a toss-up, but Finley mentions that Velus Jones Jr. is trying to prove himself again in that role after an up-and-down 2024 campaign. The coaching staff is also testing rookie Tyler Scott on kickoffs and punts, and his straight-line speed could give him the edge if he improves his ball security.
One of the most compelling narratives from Finley’s reporting is the culture shift taking root under Eberflus. Practices are sharp, organized, and highly competitive. Finley frequently points out that even non-padded practices have a tone of urgency and intensity. Veterans have bought into the system, and younger players are mirroring that energy. Poles’ emphasis on high-character, high-motor athletes seems to be yielding a cohesive, motivated locker room, one that is hungry to move past last year’s frustrations.
Discipline is a major emphasis, and Finley mentions that the Bears have been cracking down on pre-snap penalties and alignment errors. Eberflus has even introduced accountability segments after team periods, where mistakes are replayed and corrected in real-time. Finley believes this is helping sharpen the mental game, especially for the younger players. During his post-practice press sessions, Eberflus has praised the team’s mental focus, but Finley’s coverage reveals a more nuanced picture—one where the standards are high, and roster spots are far from guaranteed.
Another highlight from Finley’s notes is the development of depth across the roster. The Bears appear to be taking a more layered approach to roster construction this season. Instead of banking entirely on star power, there’s a concerted effort to build strong second and third units. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has reportedly shown more poise in the pocket, and his timing with the second-string receivers has looked solid. Finley notes that Bagent’s arm strength has improved slightly, and his command of the offense is noticeably better than last summer.
At running back, Khalil Herbert is RB1 for now, but rookie Roschon Johnson is pushing hard for touches. Finley reports that Johnson is showing improved pass protection and vision in gap-scheme runs. D’Onta Foreman is also in the mix and has been reliable in short-yardage drills. The battle for reps in the backfield looks like it will stretch into preseason games, where live contact will further define roles. Finley sees the Bears potentially keeping four backs on the roster, given their special teams value.
Tight end Cole Kmet continues to be a reliable target, and Finley notes that his blocking has improved significantly. But it’s Gerald Everett who’s brought a new dynamic. The former Charger is lining up all over the field, and Finley has charted him taking snaps in the slot, out wide, and even as a fullback in certain formations. That kind of versatility will make it difficult for defenses to key in on personnel groupings, especially in two-tight-end sets.
Overall, the first week of training camp has revealed a Bears squad that’s far more cohesive, better conditioned, and structurally deeper than last year’s version. Finley’s breakdown makes it clear that there’s a real plan in place—a mix of developmental focus and competitive urgency. While preseason games will ultimately decide who makes the final 53-man roster, the early signs suggest that this team won’t be content with another rebuild. The standard is being raised, and as Finley puts it, “This feels like a group that expects to win now, not later.”
With more joint practices and preseason matchups on the horizon, Patrick Finley will continue to provide the granular, boots-on-the-ground updates that Bears fans crave. But for now, his first-week wrap-up offers something this city hasn’t felt in years—a cautious, well-informed optimism about what’s being built inside Halas Hall.
