Bears Experience Challenges of Road Practices in Indianapolis
It felt more like an actual game than the Bears may have anticipated, but they embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
Quarterback Justin Fields was even seen picking himself up off the ground after launching a deep ball to Velus Jones Jr. The first day of joint practices between the Bears and Colts was reportedly physical, though players believed it never escalated to an unmanageable level.
Cornerback Kyler Gordon attributed the controlled intensity to a young team learning how to maintain composure on hostile turf.
"Guys want to come out here, be physical, and maybe even get into fights, but it's about having poise," Gordon shared with reporters in Indianapolis.
The issue of poise perhaps came into question when Fields found himself on the ground after a long throw. Teven Jenkins was seen speaking to Colts players afterward. Typically, quarterbacks are off-limits to contact during practices, regardless of whether it's with their own team or another.
Despite this incident, the Bears maintained a 'bring it on' mentality, demonstrating a mature and appropriate attitude for an NFL team looking to build a strong foundation. "I was kind of taking off, handling the safety," Cole Kmet explained to reporters. "I didn't see too much of it. I know one of the (Colts) guys tripped.
"There will be instances where players trip and fall onto the quarterback. There's this whole 'don't touch the quarterback' thing, and everyone gets all worked up about it. You just have to take it as it comes."
Though the incident with Fields didn't amount to much, there were other situations that raised eyebrows. Tyrique Stevenson was penalized for his hit on one play.
"I mean, he was finishing his rep," said Gordon. "We always emphasize finishing. If they don't like how we finish, that's just who the Bears are. So we're going to go out there and finish. I'm proud of him."Kmet saw the entire experience as a positive development for the Bears. It seems they are cultivating an identity rooted in toughness, which is always a good thing in the NFL.
"I think it's just fun," Kmet remarked. "This is real NFL football. It's a lot of fun to practice with another team.
"Things can get a bit chippy and chirpy at times, and we all enjoy that. So, it's fun, and we're having a great time."
| POLL | ||
17 AOUT | 23 ANSWERS Bears Experience Challenges of Road Practices in Indianapolis Are you glad the Bears are having joint practices? | ||
| yes | 19 | 82.6 % |
| No | 4 | 17.4 % |
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