Keeping something like a training camp interesting for over a month is a difficult task for NFL coaches. Practices are long and generally hot. It becomes a serious grind every single day. A huge challenge is finding ways to increase practice intensity and having guys stay focused. The Chicago Bears seem to have found a creative way to make things fun and exciting.
A week ago word came out that wide receivers coach Mike Furrey and defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend developed an in-camp competition. Using a point system, the receivers and defensive backs would go head-to-head in drills with each scoring depending on which side makes the better play. When the drills end, the points are tallied and whoever has more ends up with the ultimate prize.
An authentic WWE championship belt.
For the first time, the Bears provided a behind-the-scenes look at the competition in their second episode of “1920 Football Drive.” Needless to say, both the players and the coaches take it pretty seriously.
Head coach Matt Nagy has said competition brings out the best in people. That has been the theme of this entire training camp. Not just competition at various positions but between positions as well. By most accounts, the receivers and defensive backs have traded blows throughout drills thus far with each side claiming victories. A stark contrast to last year when it felt like the defense pretty much owned every practice.
This is the sort of thing that makes teams better. If the Bears receivers can perform well against guys who know them so well, then it stands to reason they’ll achieve similar results against fresh opponents during the regular season. That is certainly the hope. Either way, the coaches had a plan in mind and it seems to be paying dividends.
