Chicago Bears: Good news coming out of OTAs

A lot of positive news came out of OTAs yesterday for the Chicago Bears. We take a look at the news below.

Yesterday marked the final day that the media was allowed to be present at the Chicago Bears OTAs and boy were they busy. Perhaps it was just a coincidence that a lot of good news came flowing out of Halas Hall. Alternatively, maybe some of the revelations were made for “show.” Either way, it doesn’t matter because good news is good news, no matter how you slice it.

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For a team that has encountered a lot of misfortune over the last few seasons, it’s refreshing to see things trending in the right direction. We take a look at some of the positive tidbits coming out of OTAs.

Back in the Saddle

As previously mentioned, bad news has lingered over the Chicago Bears like a black cloud recently. This is especially true when it comes to injuries. Leonard Floyd has been recovering from a gruesome injury in which he sprained his MCL and PCL last season. In addition, newly acquired Allen Robinson has been working his way back from a torn ACL he suffered last season in Week 1.

Needless to say, these two are critical components of the Bears plans for 2018. Therefore, if they have any hopes of making a run at the playoffs, they will need significant contributions from both. However, that starts with getting them on the field, which is why yesterday’s news is so encouraging.

Fans knew Floyd and Robinson were working their tails off to get back on the field. However, no one had any idea how close they were to reaching that goal. Certainly, no one knew that day would be yesterday. It is incredibly encouraging to see them both participating in some capacity. Granted, they are not yet full participants but tell me that isn’t a glorious sight below.

Based on previous timetables, one might even argue they are ahead of schedule. This is especially true for Floyd, who Fangio indicated would be at 100% by the start of training camp. Regardless, it is likely a boost to the team’s already improved morale and has to be exciting for both players. OTAs and training camp (especially when extended due to a new coaching hire) can drag on. Little victories like this help make things a little more palatable.

White Improving

Look, it hasn’t been a good start to Kevin White‘s Bears career. Beyond that, his 2018 campaign got off to a somewhat interesting start as well. It’s safe to say White has been a little “short” with the media. Certainly, some of that frustration is to be expected. However, a recent interaction with the media showed just how much it bothers him.  White was asked if he felt the team still believes in him. He replied “[a]h don’t know. Really don’t bother me at all. I believe in myself.”

There is nothing wrong with White carrying a little chip on his shoulder. It would be even better if he used it as motivation to drive him to improve. In fact, it appears that is exactly what he is doing. Head coach Matt Nagy praised the extra work White has been putting in so far this season. Specifically, he is working on a noted deficiency — his route running.

It is one thing for a player to adopt a “me versus the world” mentality. However, White seems to be taking it a step further and putting in the effort to prove doubters wrong. It’s no secret that wide receivers in Nagy’s offense need to run precision routes. That’s why it is so encouraging to see him improving in that area. However, let’s hope it continues throughout the year.

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Bottom Line

The Chicago Bears have endured more than their fair share of bad news. Eventually, the tide has to turn and things break their way. Perhaps that shift has already started, as the team experienced a lot of positive things yesterday at OTAs. Hopefully, they can keep that mojo going.