Explaining Another Caleb INT, Punter Prowess, Manti Te’o on TV? And Other Bears Bullets

The last day of Bears mandatory minicamp is today. Here’s hoping everyone (present company included) finishes the week on a high note.

  • In case you missed it: We’ve got some news, notes, nuggets, tidbits, and highlights from Day 1 and Day 2 of Bears mandatory camp practices.
  • Minicamp observations from around the Bears beat from The Athletic (Fishbain), CHGO (Moreano), NBC Sports Chicago (Schrock), and another set of photos via the Tribune.
  • You’d think a practice in which rookie punter Tory Taylor was the star would be grounds for never-ending groveling from the fanbase, but we’re living in a brand new world. The way I see it, Taylor is going to be a weapon for the defense with the way he pins opponents deep in their own territory. And if the defense does its job, quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense will be in a good position to do theirs.
  • bears qb Caleb Williams practice NFL
    May 10, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up during Chicago Bears rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

  • Might as well get these out of the way now:
  • As far as I’m concerned, I want Caleb Williams to test his mettle and try every possible throw so he can start building that risk calculus. To be clear, I still fully expect for there to be some mind-bending interceptions thrown by Williams. That is just par for the course and perhaps even a rite of passage for Year 1 QBs. But now is the time to be extra aggressive. There is no point in checking down during practice in June.
  • Here is content featuring the Bears rookie signal caller via the NFLPA in a snippet from its Rookie Premiere teaser that I feel can be used as a palate cleanser so we’re not thinking about interceptions:
  • I love that the Bears have had a relatively peaceful minicamp week. No holdouts. No drama. No problems. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds up the fine totals for missing mandatory minicamp. It comes out to $101,716 for missing three days of practice. That number is notable for receivers like CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) and Brandon Aiyuk (49ers) as they look for new contracts. After seeing what the Vikings gave Justin Jefferson, I can’t say I blame them for sitting out and making their demands heard in this way. And if when each player gets the deal they desire, $101,716 worth of fines will be like finding a quarter in a couch cushion.
  • A fun fact from CBS Sports writer Doug Clawson, who notes that Corey Linsley will finish his career with 1,572 consecutive pass-blocking snaps without allowing a sack. Clawson adds that it is the longest active streak in the NFL without allowing a sack. The Los Angeles Chargers released Linsley and is reportedly expected to retire.
  • The Washington Commanders finally got rid of the last astroturf NFL practice field. (JP Finlay)
  • The Athletic reports that Jason McCourty won’t be following NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” team as it moves to Los Angeles. Among the potential replacements to replace McCourty is former Bears linebacker Manti Te’o. You remember when Te’o started a playoff game for Chicago in the 2020 season, right? No, really. It happened. Te’o had 6 tackles (4 solo) in what was ultimately a game more remembered for this Javon Wims drop. Ick.
  • MORE: The Bleacher Nation Newsletter

  • Hey, Chicago Blackhawks fans! Have you read the latest updated two-round NHL mock draft yet?
  • WHOA: Two-time national championship-winning UConn Head Coach Dan Hurley is reportedly the Los Angeles Lakers top coaching target. And if that falls through, I know a back-to-back NCAA title-winner who could be a swell fit in LA. (BN Bulls)
  • Ope! The Chicago Cubs squeezed past the White Sox with a walk-off homer to secure a two-game sweep:
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

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