Bears Starter Emphatically Rejects Fan Criticism About His Character

Ever since the Chicago Bears signed offensive lineman Nate Davis to a three-year, $30 million contract extension last offseason, he has been on the receiving end of relentless criticism. Due to his habit of picking up knocks and missing practices and games, the veteran has been under negative spotlight. That has continued throughout the training camp, so much so that head coach Matt Eberflus had to address it.

Before training camp, Davis was the clear starter at right guard. After his struggles with availability throughout the summer, Eberflus said that it was an "open competition" for the starting job at right guard. Many Bears fans have suggested benching or cutting the former third-round pick.

Davis finally responded to all of it on Thursday and disagreed with how he is characterized by fans and the media, according to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago.

Bears News: Nate Davis Responds to Relentless Fan Criticism

Stating that he is one of the best in his position when healthy and locked in, Davis denied the accusation that he doesn't like to practice.

"I've been in this league for a long time and I don't think I'd be able to do what I did without practicing. Stuff happens."

- Bears OL Nate Davis

Even if reports that Davis does not like to practice aren't true, it's undeniable that he needs to improve his performance from a year ago. In the 11 games he played last season, he had a 52.9 overall grade on PFF.

There is a possibility that Davis will lose his starting role to a new free-agent addition. Chicago signed Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton in the offseason. Even though they are both primarily centers, Eberflus has been using Bates at right guard during preseason.

The offensive line will be especially important with Caleb Williams under center. If Shelton and Bates can prove that they can protect the star rookie, Davis will really need to show up in practice to earn his job back.

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