“Getting hurt is definitely something we need to talk about we need to have,” coach Matt Nagy said. “We have to be mentally difficult and we have to be physically difficult. You have to be smart when you do the physical thing.
“Today was a start. Next week will be another challenge for us where we may have to sprint a little live again and certainly have some longer type practices. But we’re going to keep a pulse on these guys. I’m going to “Listening to where they are, and as long as we get quality representatives, that’s really all that matters. That’s what’s most important to this team.”
Although only second- and third-stringers took part in the live approach periods on Saturday, the starters fought each other in full contact “thud” sessions. (The only difference is that the No. 1 defense did not take ball barriers to the ground.) Nagy was generally pleased with how his team performed on both sides of the ball.
“I generally thought the pocket was good for the quarterbacks,” Nagy said. “A few times the defense came through, but I thought the O-line did a good job. The run game also looked good. And then defensively, I thought you really felt the speed on defense with all three of our teams – I should say two-and-a-half teams – fly around. They did not look like they were playing slow. They play fast, and ultimately that’s what you want as a coach, just to evaluate these guys. play fast and use their instincts. “
Much of Saturday’s attention remained, of course, focused on the ongoing competition between Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles for the Bears’ starting quarterback career. The two remain evaluated, focusing on their timing with receivers, decision making and accuracy.
While Nagy acknowledged on Saturday “there were a few throws they both want back,” the Bears coach also praised both quarterbacks for making excellent throws.
Trubisky’s best pass of the day resulted in a complete pass through the middle to put Jesper Horsted ahead.
“I don’t say a whole lot when I go back and watch ‘O’ and ‘D’ go,” Nagy said. “I just love it all. But that was one I was excited about and told [Trubisky] I just thought it was a whole throw. Great vision, great anticipation, and giving your boy a chance to catch and run the ball, that’s all you can ask for. That was a great play. “
Foles’ best pass came in practice late.
“Nick had a nice throw,” Nagy said. “He replied and threw it early to Ted Ginn on the right. That’s the type of throw we’re looking for is ‘Are these guys to be expected where the wide receiver will be?’ and throwing you on time, it really helps the O-line.And then there are other times, where you have some movement in your pocket.
“I thought they both did a good job moving in the box, seeing the defense. It’s a little difficult for the defense just because we do not live for the [starters], and so they realize there’s a big halo for those quarterbacks and they may not touch as I freak. So they try their best to stay away from them. And so it’s not as realistic as it would be in a game. “
Receiver Allen Robinson sidelined Saturday’s practice with an ankle injury he sustained Friday, while defensive tackle Akiem Hicks did not participate for a second straight day due to a quad injury.
“[Robinson] should be ok, “Nagy said. We just keep an eye on it. It made no sense to visit him there today. And then the same thing with Hicks. He is day to day. It’s exactly what we thought was best to do, whatever it was. “
Reserve tackle Jason Spriggs went out of Saturday’s practice with a straight knee injury. “We don’t know anything yet,” Nagy said after training. “We’re still investigating. Hopefully he’s fine.”
