Andy Dalton on learning Bears Offense | All Access

look forward to his work. And this is eleventh NFL training camp. I dare say, I think you got to be approaching forty some training camps. I don't know, not that many, but I mean it might be close. You know, twenty five years in broadcasting and what eleven training camps in the NFL, and then how many of the USFL three three? Yeah, so fourteen plus twenty you're knocking on

forties door. Wit You know what is It's always what's next, And it's kind of like you if you listen to the approach of Matt Nagee after you conclude a practice, that's about what can you improve, what do you have to pay attention to in the new details at present themselves every practice. So it's a lot like me. I could be through forty training camps, but now I'm starting to think about today's practice, tomorrow's practice, and next week's

events when they get into full pads. All right, let's get you up to date on what we heard from Matt Naggy this morning, because that's what he's doing before practice, the news conferences this year at training camp. And so it is some concern obviously when anybody's not on the field. That's a starter. Eddie Jackson, the safety, he is on the non football injury list with a hamstring a soft tissue injury. And then you got right tackle Jermaineifetti on

the populist time of the hip flexer. But no real concern, no major concern. He's just given these guys time to heal up. There's a long camp. You okay with that? Yeah, right now, I am. It's preventative medicine. You don't want to have these injuries escalate into a bigger issue where it prevents them from being on the field when the regular season gets here. Listen, Jermaina Fetti he knows and understands what is in front of him. He understands how

to get through a football season. So I would rather have a player come up and say, hey, I'm less than one hundred percent, get that issue ready. Give Larry Boram some extra reps, and Tarik Cohen, daz K Newsom there on the pup list will wait for their return to some point. Newsom injuring his collar bone during a rookie mini camp, and then Robert Quinn a little bit of back tightness working on the side in this first day.

But you know, we heard from him this week about his own expectations and owned up to what was a rough year for him. In his opinion, given to the output of over the course of his career about sacking quarterbacks, he might have been just kind of hard on myself because I got a high expectations. I might just beat myself down mentally. But I mean, I guess that didn't I Kenny raised twenty twenty because put it behind me, because it's you know again, it's on and over with.

So now I'm gonna look forward to this year and coming with a little more a better positive mindset, a little more energetic you know happy mindset, and you know, try to give you know, the Bears and my teammates and you know, everyone the best version of myself as a person and player, and hopefully I get what they're looking for. You know, I believe what he's saying too. And I think last year, you know, not having the offseason for a guy that moved to another team playing

a different position. Frankly, he was a four three guy this first time into three to four. He also intimated that, yes, there must have been conversations about how he envisied himself being used and what his strength is, which is clearly handing the dirt, screaming off the edge and getting to the quarterback even at his advancing age, and the Bears appear to be open to doing that. Mattneggie says, yes, we will use him to his strength, but he will also be used the way we would like to use

him in the base of our scheme as well. Yeah, I mean, listen, he's capable of doing everything that's required of him. What I like out of the first couple days of practice that he's in the hip pocket of Khalil Mack because you think about the relationship that they've been able to forge. You know, he didn't know a lot about Khalil. They weren't teammates, and now he has

a year to spend around him. And when I see the enthusiasm on which Khalil approaches practice, I want this to be contagious to Robert Quinn because he has to have that same positive mental attitude that's needed from every player, especially Robert. I gotta talk about Matt Naggie this morning too, and he mentioned it in the introductory news conference this week on Tuesday with gentle manager Ryan Pace. But just what he's learned, there is a lot of introspective moments

for a head coach. They sit in that office grinding every single day. They never are able to turn it off. Yeah, there's a summer break, they go on and do things with their family, as he did this summer, but you're always thinking. You're always in contact, likely in his case with his quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Justin Fields. He's got a very good relationship with David Montgomery, Cole Commetz in

his office breaking down tape, so it's always on. But look at himself in the mirror and saying what I didn't do right? What I need to work on as a head coach, let alone play caller, an offensive designer. He'd take that stuff to heart. And he's always been that way since we've known him, and he really took it to heart this offseason. And the end result now is what we'll start to see in training camp what

his expectations are. But what do you think when you hear a first time head coach entering his fourth camp looks himself in the mirror and basically dresses himself down and oh yeah, in the midst of a pandemic, and oh yeah, they're changing location of a training camp, and oh yeah, there's another defensive coordinator that you got to

fit into the mix. I like the fact that he talked about going outside the box when he needed some advice not only his mentors inside the football business, but outside that realm of life, because you know, they're faced with a lot of issues that I think that can benefit Matt Naggie. I think Naggie has handled everything very efficiently. And when you can admit to yourself that you have to get better at different aspects of what your role is, I think it's beneficial for you in the long run.

So I'm always excited to see what the next up is. The next decision is for Matt in how it benefits the team and what he seeks from the twenty twenty one Bears. He made clear this week, I want no complacency is something that we've talked about. It's easy to have these RaRo speeches on day one of training camp, and but the focus is going to be on making sure that we don't get complacent in any area. That we're great teachers as coaches, and they've always tried to

be great teachers. He also says practice is going to be one hundred miles an hour good. And I think Matt n Aggie has a group of veterans here that he can rely on those guys conveying that message from the locker room to the practice field, because you don't want to sit there and have your head coach tell these guys every single day what he expects out of him.

The attitude and the effort level. That's got to be something that's presented by his marquee guys on this football team, and I think they all have the ability to be thrust into that leadership role to bring along the other players that not need to be in urged the practice harder, but just show how they practice as hard as they do to be an influence to the guys that are fighting for reps. All right, you're in that room, first team meeting of the season, training camp about to commence.

It's the ramp up period. But he stands before you as a player, and this is what he says. You're gonna see in field a team that practice is hard and so that emphasis that we're talking about is gonna be on a different level than what y'all have seen in three years here with me. So the practices that we have are going to be fast. There's gonna be no walking around. They're gonna every rep is gonna count. And you might see in ten reps. You might see a starter get four reps, but those four reps are

gonna be one hundred miles an hour. And if they're not, they won't be on the field. That's the kicker. If not, they won't be on the field, no matter who it is. Okay, So, Matt, you put it out there to the public. This is on a radio station that a lot of people are gonna listen to, and there's gonna be fans at practice. So they're gonna want to see that effort displayed in

the practices out there. But Matt sounds to me like a first year head coach, a guy that's trying to change the environment to what he's expected of the guys on the practice field. And Jeff, we're going to be here every single day, so you know we'll be able to evaluate those words as strong as they came out of Coach Naggie while storms moved through the area last night, nice morning leading the practice on fields one and two here at HALLISAU today, a well designed layout for fans,

Tom and media, football operations players. The whole place looks great. It sparkles, and now let's let's hope to see some really good competition when they get the pads on, starting on next Monday. Coming up next Bear starting quarterback Andy Dalton Here on Bears All Access with Tom Thare. I'm Jeff Joniac. We're brought to you by IGS Energy on Chicago Sports Radio six seventy the score. Come back to Bears All Access. We're brought to you by IGS Energy.

Choose clean energy for your home at igs dot com because every good choice adds up to a better world. With Tom thare Jeff Joniac and please to kick off our training camp coverage for twenty twenty one here on Bears All Access with starting quarterback of the Chicago Bears, Andy dun Thanks for joining us, Thanks for taking out some time. How you feeling doing good and glad to be back and back to work? Was this Camp eleven

for you? Camp eleven? Camp eleven? They all have their own little angle to them and for Bears fans whom you've already seen on the field obviously with the first practice today, I'll tell you they're passionate and you've been in some great places in Cincinnati and Dallas, but first time for them at Hollis Hall, it's a treat. I bet they never thought they'd be able to be at the Bears facility. But I think there's many adjectives to describe each in every camp. What are yours right now?

By your feelings? If you got to come up with some majectives on the start of this season with a brand new franchise and in particular this franchise, Yeah, I think there's a lot of excitement and I mean you throw in training camp this year now with fans that missed out on a year of football, not being able to be there and all that kind of stuff. So and to just understand the passion that this city has

for the Airs and that the fans have. So we're looking forward to We're decided to be back to work and back to playing some football again, you know, Andy. So my first eight years I played for the Bears, and then I went and played for the Miami Dolphins. For an offensive guard going another team, all as I do is look at the sheet and I see where the guards go, and that's all I have to learn.

What did you learn last year from going from Cincinnati to Dallas that can help you go from Dallas to Chicago in terms of learning the system and everything that is required from a quarterback, right, And I've I've been in a lot of different systems in my eleven years. I think this is my seventh or eighth offense that I've been in that time. So learning a new new playbook and learning new schemes like really isn't uh, you know, It's kind of become second nature just because I've had

to do it so much. But I think it's really more learning personalities, learning guys, learning how guys operate and Um, you know, I get having some of the OTA's and having a chance to get in and call, getting in and out of the huddle, make sure the communications there. I think there's a lot of things that kind of go into it. And you know, there's a new place last year for me and being in Doubts, new place this year for me being here in Chicago, and there's

a lot of experiences I can take from that. Well. Days ago, general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Man Naggie had their introductory news conference Andy Ryan expressed a calmness and that comes from there four years together now they work very well together. But I think they were also alluding to you being here and that calms their anxieties a little bit on the start of a season because of your history and your intelligence about football, and I think the team is feeding off of that already.

Do you get that vibe and if you always had that vibe. I went back to your days of Texas Christian and going back and reading about how coaches felt about you and when the Bengals were scouting you, they had that same impression eleven years ago. Yeah, I think that comes with having a lot of confidence in what I know I can do. And you know, I've been a part of some really good teams just throughout my career, from going back all the way from high school all

the I mean all the way down. I feel like I've been on a part of winning programs and UM state champion, right yeah or not? Well, Katie, Texas, I was. I mean, there's a lot of history of you know, state teams there. I unfortunately lost in the state game my senior year. But you know, still bug you, yeah, I still bugs me for forty two touchdowns your senior

year high school. I can't believe that it was big the year before un I mean, just Katie, the high school I went to is known for for running the ball, So to throw forty two touchdowns was it was cool? I know you're still answering that question, but I gotta bring my guy in here. Joliet Catholics southern suburbs here of Chicago. Uh, they don't believe in throwing the ball. Basically, we basically, you know, four or five passes a game

for us as a lot. We went to a game many years ago and he goes, you gotta go around the sidelines against riverside field right in the Western Suburbs and Julia Cathol ran the ball every snap in Riverside Brookfield, through it every snap. Who do you think won the game? Well? Through it? No, the team, right, I guess I should say who was the quarterback? Yeah? Fifty to last play the game? Yeah? Yeah, Well, I mean there's a lot of high school offenses and not a lot of different

ways of doing it. But you know, Matt, he was paying you a compliment anticipatory And I had to say it to myself a lot because it's not like so the anticipated throws that you put it into the receivers. So is it you know in the system well enough that you can put the ball into a spot where you expect them to be and if there is a you know, maybe a yard shot a yard deep or whatever, can you go and have that conversation immediately with these guys and say, Hey, this is what I expect out

of you on this certain anticipated throw. Yeah, you know, I think Matt that's one of his words that he loves to say, ditsicipatory throws and you know, that kind of buzzword. But I think it's understanding. Okay, when the ball snap, what coverage are they're playing where you going the ball and putting it in the right spot and

making sure everybody's on the same page. And so I think for me, just playing the game for so long, I understand the timing of how it should look and how it should feel and making sure our receivers and our scipts and players understand that and know that. And so you know, like you said, if there is a guy that's a yard shorter or he's a little bit deep on certain things, I understand that because I know the rhythm and the timing of how it should look and where it should be. And you know that all

comes down to anticipation. If you can get the ball out of your hands quick and on time, it gives your gives the offensive advantage of Bear starting quarterback Andy Dalton. Here on Chicago Sports Radio six seventy the Score. This is Bears All Access, brought to you by IGS Energy. With Tim there, I'm Jeff Joni k. Let's go back

to your rookie or as talking about the anticipatory. A New York Times story they did on you in November of your rookie season, your second round pick, and at the time it was written, the Bengals saw something they badly needed at that time with a veteran defense, a young, brand new offense, and they needed steadiness. Is that your calling card? I think so. And I feel like that's just kind of how I've been throughout my football career. Is you know, never getting too high and never getting

too low. And there three times you let it a little bit of frustration, but then you got to move on. You know, that's playing this position, you can't hold on to anything. You got to move on, whether it's good or bad. And I feel like I've that's just kind

of how I've played throughout my career. And so I mean steadiness kind of what you're talking about earlier, what Matt and Ryan were talking about, just uh, you know, just kind of that steadiness of playing the game and having you know, for me, I understand I've got full control of this thing. And so to be able to direct and make sure everybody's on the same page, hopefully give them a confidence where they can, you know, understand that they're going to get the most out of me.

When when you see some of you are developing experiences with aj Green and then you'd go out on this field and you see a guy like Alan Robinson. Can you bring a selection of plays with you? Maybe he said, Okay, I've always liked this throughout my career. This is a position I can put these guys in. This is a play that I like against the specific coverages. You've got a lot of experience, and that's what they expect from

experienced quarterbacks. Do you feel that you can bring some of those plays in your backpack and say, hey, Matt, I like these absolutely. You know, that's one thing when I when I signed here. You know, just talking with him, we've talked through okay, the offense, that of what this team has done, and also some things that I really like. And yeah, I think there'll be some give and take

with everything. Make sure everybody's comfortable we're doing. But you said, you know, I had Aj for so long, so we were really good at certain things and we knew I knew exactly where he was going to be uncertain thing.

I'm here to build chemistry with all of our guys, but uh Aj and Allen they're they're different receivers, So I mean their skill sets are just are different and certain things, Um, so I mean we'll find the things that were that we're gonna get really good at and and and definitely have those in any of the games of chess match It always has been so over the years.

Have you noticed how defenses, uh, is there trends to develop on what they want to take away from regardless of all the different systems, and have you had to morph into different aspects of your talents, tap into different aspects of it, and maybe even recreate yourself a little bit from time to time. Yeah? Yeah, I think you try to find every year ways to just improve your game. And you know, this year being in a new system around new guys, Okay, it's it's really just building the

chemistry with our with our guys. And so I've said, this is my eleventh year playing, i feel like there's nothing. I feel like I've I've seen a lot of stuff and I can pull from those experiences. You know, even even being with Bill Lazer, It's like we can go back and talk about, oh yeah, back in seventeen, they did this in eighteen, and we'll remember that game this one play all the kind of stuff we've already been doing it. So that's just kind of how this works.

And I think it just comes with playing the game more with Andy Dalton, Bear starting quarterback. Coming up after a break. This is Bears All Access with Tom There Jeff Joniac here on Chicago Sports Radio six seventy the score. The Chicago Bears, one of the teams on the Chicago Sports Alliance, are supporting. Read Chicago's gun violence reduction efforts. Learn more at Heartland Alliance dot org. Slash read Jeff Joniac Tom There with Bear starting quarterback Andy Dalton. A

few more minutes with the Bear starting quarterback. Middle finger, left hand. Tell me about it, middle finger, left hand, going back to high school, the significance of it. Yeah, well, unfortunately I've had some bad luck with fingers, you know, middle finger, left hand. I broke it in the playoff game, but finish the season affecting thing. It's it's the two times I've broke my thumb and tour ligament my thumb in the NFL that that affected where I wouldn't able

to play. Hey, how was the relationship developing with Sam? Must differ the center here, because I think there's a unique bond between quarterback and center, either the rhythm of your cadence, how it fits along with all the offensive line, or just you know, his snap trajectory. How how is that young relationship developing? That's been great. You know, Sam, he's he's a really smart player, and he's gonna do

everything you can to make sure we're communicating well. And I think that's the biggest thing, is making sure that we're on the same page just from a protection standpoint, understanding when we need to change protections, you know, Reid things and all that kind of stuff. So I think that's one thing that we'll just continue to work together. But it's been fun to be around him and just to see how he not only directs that offensive line kind of gets everybody on the same pig. How did

you like football atmosphere last year? Because we talked about no crowds in the stadium where as broadcasters of Jeff and I were in the stadium as an ex as an ex offensive lineman. Man, you can hear so much. Was there anything that you had like toned down your tempo or was it you know, still full go? No, I feel like it was it was full go. You know. The thing that was nice you never had to worry about going on a silent cadence and having to having

to deal with that. But you know, we were fortunate in Dallas last year that we were still able to have some fans, so you had a little bit of, you know, sense of normalcy. But every time we played on the road, we didn't have any fans last year in Dallas. And I know you mentioned this about competitiveness you felt even being das back up to start the

year until his injury. Was that something you had to feel and to just because it's not simple going leaving a franchise where you started and had so much success and then tackling a new one, knowing you got a young player there in front of you. Was that important that you felt that fire burning and you knew it when you weren't able to get into games until he

got hurt. For sure. I think for me, you know, we didn't have preseason games either, so I had to like really find myself and find my like way once the season started because it's like I've always been the guy out there, and then those first couple of games standing on the sideline, okay, you know, trying to help out as much as I can, but just kind of find my role and where I fit into all that, but also realizing that I want to be the guy

in the field. I want to be the guy that's helping this team win, and so I think there is a little extra fuel that they came from that was there any transition time at all? Because when Dak got hurt, man, Andy, you're the starter, You're gonna be there for the rest of the season. And I know when you are a starter and then you kind of take that backup role for as long as it happens. Then all of a sudden, you don't get a lot of notification. It's this guy's hurt.

You're in, right, Yeah. I think the good thing that I went in is like I prepared the same way as if I was the guy, like the being playing for so long. It's like I have a good routine of how I'm going into these games, understanding the game plan, understanding of film study and all that kind of stuff. So once it happened, it was like, all right, give me my real protector, let's get my helmet, and let's get this thing going. Andy Dalton our guest here on

Chicago Sports Radio six seventy the score. This is Bears All Access training camp underway here at Hall. I saw with Tom there, Jeff Joniac Tell us about the quarterback room. What's it like. It's going to be a question obviously that's going to continue all season long. The prying eyes and in the writers and the broadcasters in this town. With quarterbacks, it's it's an everyday discussion, even in the offseason. So Andy Dalton, Justin Fields and Nick Foles, we've got

a great room, you know, for me. One before we drafted Justin and it was me and Nick. Nick's a guy that I've known since high school, have followed since high school, just being Texas guys. As you see, Year is a year younger than me, like and we've been around each other a little bit, but have never really spent an extending amount of time around each other. So just building that relationship. And it's been really cool because I followed his whole career and then we add adjusted

into the mix, a young talented player. I think Nick and I are both are just trying to help him out as as as much as we can, kind of just you know, first steps into the NFL. And we've got a really good room. And then you throw all the coaches in the mix too that we've got in there. It's it's a fun room to be In. You know, you have talented running stats. So the development from going from West Coast offense to an RPO offense, has that helped your career? Has that been beneficial to you because

of the talents and the traits you have. Yeah, I think for me, one of the biggest things like I get the ball in my hands quick, make quick decisions and u and get the ball out. And so now you throw in West Coast offense down, you throw in some of the RPO stuff where you have some advantage throws and different things like that. I mean, I think

all that stuff fits me. You had a lot of experience over the years, obviously doing standing at the podiums and doing news conferences and getting that barage of questions even on the national level because of your playoff passed and then in the Cowboys it's it's such a big market and such as this one as well. How do you handle what will be questions every week about Justin and how he's doing because they're gonna care about what you do, but they're also are going to care about

what he does. Yeah, there's a lot of excitement I think just around because of the quarterback position is such an important position, especially here in Chicago, and you know, Justin had a great college career and there's there's that buzz and excitement around him. But I'm not worried about Justin.

I'm worried about what I'm doing, what I'm going to do to help this team win, and hopefully people will see that and hopefully if people will feel that, and uh, when Justin gets his time, I'm sure he's gonna do great. But right now I'm focused on what I'm going to do to helpless team. You were day one starter in the National Football League. Sorry I cut you off Day one starter. Did you have you ever even just for kicks?

Gone back and said, huh, I wonder if we redrafted where I'd be, you know, as opposed to a second round pick. Look at the career, man. I mean, you can go back and think about that, but I'm still thankful I went went when I did and where I did because I think it set me up to have the career that I've had. I think I got around the right staff, I was on the right team at the right time, and it kind of, you know, set

the foundation for me to get into the NFL. So it's not always how high you get drafted, it's kind of going to the right situation. And I felt like out of that draft, I went to a good spot. He's still mad. Yeah, yeah, fourth rounder. I got screwed. Well. They passed over a couple more times. Second round pick,

so I didn't have to wait around too. When you were at the combine, were you looking at the other quarterbacks and saying, Hey, I fit in this quarterback draft and I fit in this room, and you know, I'm you know, I just had to appreciate your talents that you are putting on display. Yeah. I think you go to those combines, you go to the thing where you're around to the guys, and you're gonna be looking like, Okay, you know who's the guy out here? All right? I

feel like I'm better than him. I feel like I'm better than him. I feel like I can do some some good things. And uh, you know how it is. Some guys get hyped up and then they get taken high and it may not work out as well. So, I mean, there's all different ways of going about it. Two questions to wrap us up, I read, I believe this is right. You're a guitar player and you did it.

You know you like playing certain certain guys. So what are you playing these days or are you you know, that's one thing I'm mad at myself for not bringing my guitar up Peter Chicago, still sitting at my house back in Dallas. But I play a lot of Christian music and country music. So um, I'm okay. I'm a good campfire guitar player. I was that left middle finger works,

It works just fine. I got it fixed. Well, you know you got a couple of country guys on this team that love Roe quant Smith love his country Yeah, yeah, I love his country music. And see if you can sing. I'll get the guitar out and see Cody white hair as well. So all right, lastly, what are your expectations

for this twenty twenty one ball club? And we certainly appreciate you being here here today in our final minute with you, because there's there's a lot of sleeping giants I think we both agree on both sides of the ball for that matter, and a good core of veteran players that have earned their marks in this league already, and now you know, if they played to their potential, there could be a lot of great news with the Chicago Bears. What's your perspective. Yeah, you know, we've got

high expectations for ourselves. I think there's a lot of players that are hungry and ready to get to work, and so I'm looking forward to this year. I think everybody's excited to be back playing football again. And m you know, there's there's a lot of potential on this team. We've got to go out there improve it each week. Well, when the Bengals brought him in the league, they were looking for a guy with character, mental toughness, work ethic,

and of course talent. They picked Dandy Dutton, now Chicago Bear starting quarterback. Thanks so much, appreciate it. More of the show coming up next, we'll hear from Bears head coach Matteneggie and gentlemanager Ryan Pace. With Tom There, I'm Jeff Jonik here on Chicago Sports Radio six seventy. The score segment of Bears All Access is brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy. Visit Athletical dot com to request an appointment in clinic or virtually and start feeling better tomorrow.

Back with Tom There, Jeff joniec here. It had us all We heard Andy Dalton for twenty minutes, Tom, and I'd have to say very enjoyable. Young man. Knew he would be. That was our first face to face with him. Loves the game. But the overriding feeling I got out of those twenty minutes is that they'll mess with him. He's confident and he's competitive. Right. I'm glad you said that because I liked the confidence that he displayed and he realizes this is his job and this is not

a job that it was handed to him. This is a job that he's earned over the last ten years. So it's going to be exciting to watch the put this offensive motion. And from the press conference a couple of days ago, and we talked about it here, anticipatory throws, and I think that puts a lot of pressure on the receivers because don't look for the ball to be there during your route. You look for the ball to

be there as soon as you conclude your route. And that's one of the things that Matt likes about Andy Dalton. And so here it is gonna be on display. You're gonna have some marquee receivers to throw the ball to get them in a position to succeed through the hands of the quarterback. And here's what Alan Robinson thinks of Andy Dalton. And he's a pro, you know. I mean, he's played a lot of ball, you know, He's played in different offenses, played played with some pretty high profile receivers,

you know. So I'm definitely excited to be able to continue to work more and more with them, you know, just from the conversations and stuff that I've had with him and some of the reps that we got in mandatory mini camp. You know, I'm definitely excited, you know what I mean. Like I said before, Um, he's a guy who knows the game, you know, and he knows

different schemes, he knows defenses, you know. So even being able for myself to learn from a guy like him based on some of his prior experiences and some of the things that he's been through in this league. All this while Justin Fields learns on the job, tries to get his best foot forward as soon as possible and let the chips fall where they made. When we wind up at the end of training camp and seeing just

how far he's developed. But with Robinson, the idea of timing and anticipation, who's an outstanding right runner, a route runner. This is probably music to his ears. Well, you know, earlier this year we heard Alan Robinson at the press conference saying that he's trying to work on speed, that he can turn an eight yard gain into a twelve yard gain. And that's part of the anticipatory throws by

Andy Dalton. If he puts Alan Robinson in a position where he's catching the ball in front of the defender, you're gonna see those plays that. Yeah, if he wants twelve yards, they're going to become twenty yarders. And that's what could be so exciting for Alan Robinson, just like

he told us this week. No, we focus on a lot of you know, speed and durrance, you know, and and a Muslim and durrance being able to not only you know, get faster from the standpoint where you're just running faster, but you know, being able to hold that top speed for longer, you know, being able to run at the highest speed, you know, for longer distances, being able to get that get to that top speed quicker, you know, being able to get you know, to the

top speed you know, stop, change direction and get back to it, you know, as fast as possible. So being able to do all those little things and focus on all those little nuances in my game, you know, along with adding some of the you know, technicalities and technical things when it comes to route running. Well, I like that he worked on those things. Everybody's got to work on something. In the season. We heard about David Montgomery doing the same with his speed, and speed is is

a big deal. Speed get you paid also, right, but you know, let's not unrealistically look for eighty yard touchdowns by Alan Robbinson. Every time he touches the ball to me, can he add fifteen more first downs to the catches that he's you know that the numbers that he'll put up there on third down, first down, catches down, third down, just give me, just give me first downs. Mounting up because I think when you keep offense on the field, you're gonna keep your defense fresh. You're gonna give all

these guys an opportunity to succeed. Because if you turn that eight yard catch into a first down opportunity, it's gonna have explosive opportunities for your offense. Would you think about moving on from Anthony Miller? We banged the table for the game after a few years and just never realized these potential. Listen, man, I hope Anthony Miller goes to Houston and has a great future to his career.

But I think the Bears got into a position where you know, Riley Ridley, Javon Wims, a Bird, a, Marquis Goodwin, all these guys are going to have an opportunity to

succeed in his place. And you know, Jeff, every time a guy moves on from a football team, there's ten guys waiting in the wings for their opportunities because there's gonna be a guy in this receiver room that man, we may not know a lot about right now, but because of a player moving on, and now you're maybe gifted a couple more reps during practice or in preseason games, someone you know, that cream may rise at the top.

Well always asthis in training camp, but I personally always fall in love with some receivers, So somebody's gonna grab my attention. Of course, you did not mention Darnell Mooney, and without the benefit of an off season a year ago and normal progress for a rookie, he still had a very solid season for a fifth round pick, And I think the most excitement outside of the new speed

added to that mix is just where his development comes from. Well, I'm already thinking of Darnell Mooney and Alan Robinson being

on this one or two unit. Now we need to see who that guy is going to take the next step and listen, man, as much as that you are holding out for Anthony Miller, I'm still holding out for Riley Ridley because I still see a guy that is a talented receiver and maybe with a quarterback that has better anticipation to his throws or a little bit more foot versatility of justin fields, maybe it'll exploit what his

skills are. All Right, you had to love what Matt Naggie had to say about the running game and the desire of giving David Montgomery his share twenty plus carries a game if it works out, and the addition of of what Damian Williams can bring from his days of Kansas City. No, it's I think it's it's very doable. And I know, um, you know, when I was asked

that question. You start getting into the analytics and you start talking numbers, and when you look at where David has been the last couple of years, he's getting him The football is a good thing, and he can make a lot of people miss that that aren't blocked. He can make guys miss that are blocked. And for us, when you're able to get in that fourth quarter and you have the lead and you can hand the ball

off to David Montgomery, that's a good thing. Unfortunately, we haven't been in that situation enough in the past two years, so it's limited him a little bit. With carries, a lot of a lot of these big backs. Are these guys that get these heavier carries are getting them in the fourth quarter, and it's jumping their numbers up a little. So that twenty number was a part of that when you're winning in the fourth But Tom, that is always

the case about carries and attempts. If you're trying to finish the job in the fourth quarter, when you put your offensive line, dig in the ground and start clearing the path, work that clock and finish the job, that is when carries go up. How would you like to

see its structure? You know what, I don't care about analytics when you're talking about the running game because it's about a commitment and that's when you're only and I'm also frustrated by just hearing fourth quarter, because if you're going to have David Montgomery of carries in the fourth quarter, it's because you gave them carries in the first and

second quarter. So that's where the numbers are going to have to increase, is the opportunity to capitalize down a fatigue defense in the fourth quarter because you've already beat them up in the first and second quarter. All right,

offensive line, let's talk about it. Sam Mustafer at center, flanked by Cody white Hair on the left and James Daniels on the right, a healthy German Effetti on the right tackle spot, and then the battle for left tackle with Tevin Jenkins getting that opportunity so far, not able to practice in the first couple of days because of back tightness. And then a big list of players. There's

fifteen over offensive linement. So I'm with experience, not a lot of left tackle experience obviously on this roster, but guys that are versatile that out fill those swing roles at guard and tackle. Where do you see the offensive line position at this point of training camp? You know, powerful with depth on the inside, and when you think of guys like Alex Bars, he's got versatility where he can go from center to guard to probably left tackle.

To me, a guy like Larry Boram a rookie, you got to prove to me he can't play left tackle because when I watch the fluidity of his feet and his ability to bounce around, I think that you can construct his balance to work over there. I know Tevin Jenkins is the guy that's been annointed to be the starting left tackle on this team, but I need to see the guy on the field. And do I have concern when you talk about a back issue this early

in camp. Yes, However, if it's just an obstacle that he's going to overcome within a week's time and he's in and there getting positive reps, I'm okay with it. You know, when you're reading the tea leaves on injuries and you think see things like, okay, if Fetti's got a hip flexer, you ever have one? No? Yeah, you know what kind of length of time is that is? And when it's back stiffness, you know that's just precaution. Yeah, yeah, listen, back stiffness. I came in I had back surgery, so

I know it. Back stiffness is all about, and it's something that you can work through again this early in the season. I'm okay with him maybe taking an extra week to get his back loosened up and then come out here fresh and ready to go. But you know, it's I've always liked the attitude that Tevin Jenkins has presented that he is a tough guy and he's a guy that's willing to play at less than one hundred percent.

So as the preseason games approached, let's hopefully, let's hopefully he gets on the field and training camp twenty twenty one with Tom There, I'm Jeff Joniac here on Chicago Sports Radio six seventy to score. See You're twenty twenty one Chicago Bears it Soldier Field for the first time this season. Get tickets for the Meyer Bears Family Fest at Chicago Bears dot Com With Tom Thare, I'm Jeff

Joniac getting you ready for training camp. If you are so fortunate to have picked up one of those lottery spots and are able to check things out, I think you're gonna lave what you see here at have us. Hopefully mother nature cooperates every day and we'll have some fun and get the fans in front of the players once again. They're still protocols, so it's gonna be a little bit different, you know, getting autographs and things like that, a little bit of adjustment, but it's just as good

to see the fans this morning. Hey, Matt talked about in this press conference the emotional impact that they have in practices and at games, and we talked about it with Andy Dalton the first time in his career, you know, preparing and playing games without fans. They play an important role. They play an important role in the end adrenaline they supply for you to get ready, their emotional support, and their commitment to the football team. So for me, I'm

excited to see the fans surrounding the practice field. All right. One of the big news Adams was the return of Eddie Goldman. Eddie saying it was tough that he was watching games frustrated, had some regrets, but he did opt out last year, but he came back in great shape, spent the year in California. And every player that has that we've interviewed and run into and had nothing of the great things to say and are happy to see

Eddie Goldman. So now it's just back and get into a football shape, get on the field and start making places. You know, we always talk about the eye test, and I was impressed by what I saw out of Eddie Goldman throughout the practices is thus far, he looks like he's in shape, he looks powerful, He's got a good relationship with the defensive lineman, so he fits right back in the group immediately. I know that Matt has always

talked about how introverted he is. I would rather see him be more of an extrovert, to show more enthusiasm at the line of scrimmage and within the defense, within the huddle, and then I think that it's not going to lead to him making plays, but at least that outward sign him enthusiasm is important for other players to see. You know, when you're an introvert, you're an introvert. You

know you got, as Matt says, be you. I just think it's more of you know, he keeps to himself off the field too, But I do think he likes the game. He loves the game, and he loves his teammates. I think guys in the locker room are a lot more extroverted than maybe you see on the practice field itself. So behind the scenes Eddie Goldman. You know, he's a

teammate that these guys really enjoy being around. But Eddie Goldman, you also have skill where you were rewarded a big time contract as a reflection of what the Bears expect you to be. A Pro Bowl AlterNet a few years ago, here's Khalil Mack. You gotta knows that can take on double teams that's a thousand pounds and make it look easy and share blocks and make it hard for those running backs to get out of the backfield up is

hell for those guards and those centers. And so just understanding his strengths, he brings all the different type of tested with as well. You know what I'm saying, not only stopping the run, but he can he can pass rest as well. So just having a guy like that back is a huge and same thing real quant Smith said, if you talk to Danny t travethan he'll say the same thing as well. For the inside linebackers. Well, you know the one thing about Eddie Goldman, he's not one

dimensional like Khalil says. He's got versatility where he can move up and down the line of scrimmage and he can be a pass rusher if the offensive formation their faces needs it. So Eddie Goldman, I think with the more experience he gets, he can become a pass rusher as well as a run stopper. All right, let's talk kalil Mack. Spent some considerable time talking about him because I really enjoyed what he had to say. Also looking the mirror type of guy and he's never gonna make excuses,

that's not his deal. He had a shoulder last year. He was on the injury report a lot. Never said it was the reason why his pass rush wasn't what he felt it could be and what it will be in the future. Still was one of the best pressure guys in the NFL, but there is big expectations for clil Mack and he draws attention from the opposition no matter what, no matter where he lines up, and with the guy on the other side trying to rebound as well,

Robert Quinny feels these two can be a lethal pair. Yeah. I mean, say what we can do? Get to the damn quarterback? You know what I'm saying. That's what that's what we got paid to do. Come in fair the game by getting to the quarterback and create turnovers in short fields for his offense, and ultimately that's the goal, you know what I'm saying. And of course we not satisfied with the result last year, so his work to be done and enough talking, Yeah, enough talking, time for action.

He made that clear, right, you know so far the early signs when you see Khalil on the practice field. One thing I admire about him most is he doesn't have to be invited to be in shape. He's always in great shape. He always pushes himself during the course of practice. And if he does stay healthy and he can be influenced on that defense with the other players around him, then you're gonna see Khalil mack. Like he said, what he got paid here to do is come and

put pressure on the quarterback. We see evidence of it all the time, but if you got to see more destruction out of it and getting to the quarterback, dislodging the football, getting the striped sacks and then being complimented by Robert winning the rest of the defense. So everybody takes part in Khalil's skill and the prominent trait Matt Naggie wants to see from the Bears defense is quite clear. Everywhere you look, I want that ball coming out. I

want fumbles, interceptions, hit passes. I mean, like, well they go to bed and I just think about intercepting the football, you know, stripping that football, be like crazy about it everywhere, you like, we have to get takeaways this year. I can remember going to training camp and going against the best defense in the NFL for five years at training camp, and it made the games easier. It made the games

faster and more physical for the offense. And but it's because that we are practicing every day against the defense that has the traits that Matt Naggie's talking about. All right, let's go to genlemanager Ryan Pace as we break down the cornerback job because Jalen Johnson on one side, and then a battle on the inside and other outside position. Desmond Truffont first up in the conversation with Pace, feeling that he can compete for that starting job and a

player to keep an eye on. We've studied him a lot over the years from Atlanta to Detroit, and I think unfortunately last year there was some soft tissue stuff that came up with hamstrings. So you know, we're getting ahead of that right now with our staff you know, trying to say that the head of the curve on that. But true Fund we still feel has the stickiness to play man covered, the suddenness, all those things. So it'll be good to see it all play out this camp

and it will be good competition there. I know we talked about Bill Doore. Yeah, we'll talk about Bill Doore in the next but you have the floor on true Fund, Truefond. He's always had the skill. He's always displayed it that he's got the ability to play cornerback in the NFL and the different types of coverages that's required out of them. It's just a matter you stay healthy, you will be on the field. Now. Bill Doore had been one of the big topic points so far in the off season.

They'll see how he does in camp. In year two, got a lot of valuable play time down the stretch, and he definitely can push for the starting job. You know, he has that kind of ability. He looked really good this offseason. When I think about these young merging players on our team, he's definitely one of them, and he's such a pro theay the way he prepares and with what he goes about his daily plan, and he's a talented player that we were really excited to get in

that area the draft. In this guy's limits, and just like Jalen Johnson, the expectations for Jalen Johnson are through the roof. Now. If you can connect on a guy like Kendallville Door that is pushed by truefon or is able to push trufon, I think that's that's where the Bears defensive backfield can capital. All Right, it's gonna wrap up our show for Tom Thayer. I'm Jeff Joniac. Thanks to Andy Dunnan and our producers Jordan trut Up, Dan Barelli and the folks at this Score. That's gonna do

it for us. Thanks for list hitting on everybody. This has been Bears All Access on Chicago Sports Radio six seventy the Score. Have a great night, everybody,