Bears Camp Notes: Trapilo making noise, Swift seeking redemption |
Ariana Pensy
· · 8 hours ago
CHICAGO - Training camp has officially started for the Chicago Bears.
Although it is only a few days in, there is already talk about the numerous competitions taking place, including at left tackle. “Competition, I think, exists at all levels of our roster. That’s going to bring out the best in all our guys. Of course, there are certain battles that we’ve already highlighted that might take precedence over the course of camp. But, I think everything’s open and really excited to see where that leads.” Who wins the starting job at left tackle is arguably the most intriguing aspect of training camp. First, it is an unusual situation with three players competing for the starting position. Two of these players lack NFL experience, although Chicago’s veteran left tackle, Braxton Jones, is still recovering from a leg injury from last season. “Every play matters. It’s all going to matter as we go through this thing and so, I can’t tell you I’ve been through a three-man race before and so, each play is going to be evaluated and they got to take full advantage of each opportunity that they get,” Johnson said. “I would like to think (Jones’) experience will help him, but we’re coming in with blank slates right now and so, just because a guy’s played and another guy hasn’t in this league. We’re going to let the competition play out and we’ll see where it goes.” The other two players in contention for the starting role are rookie Ozzy Trapilo, who the Bears drafted in the second round, and second-year player Kiran Amegadjie. Amegadjie played in six games last year, starting in only one of them. However, given his struggles last season, it seems more probable that Trapilo will win the starting job than Amegadjie. Darnell Wright is not part of the competition for left tackle as he is staying on the right side. In addition to the left tackle competition, it will be interesting to watch Chicago’s running back room this training camp. D’Andre Swift is coming off a rough season last year, putting a lot of pressure on him to perform this year. Roschon Johnson was underutilized, and the Bears added Kyle Monangai via the NFL Draft. Between Johnson and Monangai, there seems to be a competition brewing in the running back room as well. “We’re very detailed with where we want (the running backs) to go. They’re all about it. Coach Bieniemy’s doing a phenomenal job. He’s very demanding. He’s one of the more demanding coaches I’ve been around. I think they’re receptive to that type of coaching,” Johnson said. “I think Swift has done a great job (coming) back from the summer. He’s in great shape. He had some plays yesterday that weren’t ideal. We might have had a guy unblocked in the hole and yet, he’s able to extend it and make something happen beyond. So, highly motivated group. I know the perception out there is that maybe it’s not the most talented room in the world. They like to hear that noise. So, we’re going to be just fine.” When Ben Johnson was with the Detroit Lions, he had the opportunity to work with D’Andre Swift. During that time, Swift was a more active part of the passing game, perhaps foreshadowing what his role could be with the Bears this season. No matter what his role ultimately ends up being, Swift seems determined to put last season behind him. “He’s always been quiet. He’s always been highly motivated on the inside. So, there’s a lot of things about him that are the same as what they’ve been. He’s not happy with how last year went for him. Production-wise, team-wise, everything-wise. He’s really motivated,” Johnson said. “He’s really excited to help lead and spur this team forward. So, I don’t think I see a whole lot of differences from where he’s been, but I see a very hungry individual.”
