As the Bears wrap up OTAs and Minicamp, we're in for a long six week hiatus. Just as things begin to seem active and we start hearing from the team almost everyday, things go dark. Bears Head coach Ben Johnson has spoken to the media several times this week, where he displayed satisfaction with where the team and players are at.
Ben Johnson says camp will determine the 53-man roster
The Bears will have several large roster decisions to make before the season begins, and fans are eager to hear any new developments. But coach Johnson has been clear that no final decisions would be made until Training Camp. Even when those decisions are made, roster battles are rarely cut and dry, and could well extend into the season.
"The spring was about learning communication. Camp's where we're earning a spot on the 53, and we'll carve out our roles. And those are a couple positions that we'll certainly have our eye on. And there'll be several others that there's spots up for grabs."Ben Johnson
Johnson has been adamant about trust from the start, and he's never shied away from the topic. A key element of trust is communication, something that Johnson clearly understands. It's important to start at step one, even when all of these players are familiar with one another. The more familiar the players are with each other, the more cohesive the team will be.
The offensive line was largely a problem the Bears believed they had solved for the foreseeable future, but unfortunately, all teams must bow at the hands of injury. Ozzy Trapilo, widely believed to be the starter of the future is now expected to miss the majority of the season while recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon. The competition for his missed starting spots is one of the largest stories of the Bears entire offseason.
The defensive side of the ball has taken much more work from the Bears' front office than the offense. Though both garnered significant draft interest, general manager Ryan Poles had his work cut out for him. Putting a bandage on the offensive line is one thing, but they've practically had to rebuild the defense. Cornerback remains another position worth monitoring, as Tyrique Stevenson looks to secure the spot opposite Jaylon Johnson while several challengers continue to push for playing time heading into camp.
Johnson's message was simple: spring was for learning, but training camp will be for earning. While many fans may already have opinions on who should start, the Bears coaching staff won't make those decisions until the competition truly begins at Halas Hall.
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