The Chicago Bears just wrapped their first four practices of training camp, which featured plenty of notable highlights. But the real test begins Monday when the Bears put the pads on for the first time this summer.
It's been the offense that's dominated to start training camp, winning the first three practices thanks to quarterback Caleb Williams and a thriving passing game that featured standouts from wide receivers Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Kalif Raymond, as well as tight end Colston Loveland. The defense did have its moment on Day 4, when safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Jaylon Johnson made statements in the sloppy conditions.
When the pads come on it'll give the coaches a better chance to evaluate players, particularly in the trenches.
While it was offensive and defensive skill players who stood out through the first four padded practices, it's time for those in the trenches to shine.
There are some notable competitions happening for starting jobs and roster spots, including at the left tackle position. The Bears have employed a rotation to start camp with Braxton Jones working with the 1s on Days 1 and 2, Kiran Amegadjie on Day 3 and Jedrick Wills Jr. on Day 4. We'll see if Theo Benedet, who's been running with the second team at right tackle, gets a shot or if it's back to Jones on Monday.
The defense was one of the worst teams against the run last season, and that's an area where they need to improve this season. Monday will provide us our first glimpse at what Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter and company can do on the practice field this summer.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears to finally put the pads on for training camp on Monday
