CHICAGO, ILL. --- The Chicago Bears took the grass at Solider Field for the first time this year on Saturday night. It was the grand finale of their annual "Family Fest" celebration.
There were well over 20,000 fans in attendance and they began the day with music, food, and games. After the team practice, they were treated to a fireworks show. However, the biggest attraction was the full team workout that drew plenty of cheers and applause.
In what was probably their most up-tempo practice of the year. There were plenty of notable observations on both sides of the ball...
Offense
Jay Cutler and Jordan Palmer had a combined 80-percent of the repetitions at quarterback. Cutler enjoyed himself immensely as he threw plenty of great passes to wide receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Martellus Bennett. Roughly half of the throws to both men resulted in either touchdowns or plays of 15 yards or more.
Unfortunately, there were times when both Cutler and Palmer were "sacked" (two hand touch as opposed to being tackled) when pass protection broke down. Aside from that, both men performed well.
Jimmy Clausen got a fair amount of chances towards the end of the workout, but definitely needs more reps. He looked uncomfortable at times, he rushed some of his throws, and made a few bad choices which resulted in incomplete passes.
Rookie David Fales, a sixth round draft pick, got the last series of plays and he will also need more work unless his spot on the practice squad is already determined. He took too long to release the ball most of the time. Plus, he underthrew quite a few passes and looks like he is still adjusting to taking snaps from under center.
As for the running backs, Matt Forte and Michael Ford got the majority of the plays once again. Undrafted rookie Senorise Perry also got a good look, while Tony Fiammetta was only used for run blocking.
With the passing game being the focus of Saturday's session, Fiammetta's reps were limited. Shaun Draughn was excused from practice for personal reasons, while fourth round draft pick Ka'Deem Carey got a few plays here and there.
Jordan Lynch saw some action during the special teams portions of the practice, but was otherwise invisible. Lynch's best chance to prove himself will be during the upcoming preseason games. Chicago opens preseason August 8th against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite not getting the work he was hoping to for during the recent practices, Lynch continues to remain upbeat and positive.
"I'm living the dream," Lynch said after practice, "I'm going to give it my best shot to make this team" he added.
As for the wide receivers, we all know that Marshall and Alshon Jeffery have already solidified their spots on the squad. However, the third receiver slot continues to be a focal point.
Second-year man Marquess Wilson may have finally distanced himself from the rest of the pack. He made a handful of leaping, acrobatic catches. Plus, he managed to create space between him and the defenders covering him.
Eric Weems tried to prove that he's more than just a return man, but he dropped some passes and had difficultly beating coverage. Canadian Football League import Chris Williams on the other hand continues to show he can make the big catch despite is 5-foot-8, 175-pound frame.
While the passing offense was the focus of Saturday's workout, we did not see much from the tight end position. Bennett (even with his touchdown catches), Jeron Mastrud, Zach Miller, Matthew Mulligan, and Dante Rosario each caught at least one pass, but were quiet beyond that.
The offensive line continues to show improvement after struggling against the defensive line earlier in the week. Second-year guard Kyle Long finally got his first practice of the summer after sitting out with a viral infection. Eben Britton however sat out with a sore hamstring. The Bears limited Long's snaps as he continues to adjust and re-condition himself.
Defense
Speaking of that defensive line, rookie tackle Will Sutton lined up with the first team in place of Jeremiah Ratliff. Offseason acquisition Willie Young got the nod in place of Jared Allen.
Allen and Ratliff got their turns to have the designated veteran's day off. The front four as a whole continues to show aggressiveness, explosiveness off the ball, and they look much better in gap control.
There were two people that stood out among the linebacking corps; former defensive end Shea McClellin and last year's second round pick Jon Bostic look like naturals in the nickel package.
Bostic showed awareness, an improved ability to read the offense, and looks more confident in pass coverage. McClellin has also taken kindly to pass coverage. We all know he can rush the passer, but his skills in pass defense will ultimately decide his fate as a linebacker.
In the secondary, rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller lined up with the first team again. Tim Jennings is still out with a quadriceps injury, so this year's first round draft pick got another opportunity to line up opposite of Charles Tillman.
Fuller shined under the bright lights, as he held his own against Marshall and Jeffery. He came close to grabbing a couple of interceptions, he deflected a few passes, and is showing very little difficulty adjusting to the National Football League.
As for Jennings, he says he is unsure as to when he'll be back on the field. "I'm just being smart about it (the injury) and making sure it's healed before I give it a go." Jennings said. "I don't know (if I'll play in the opener next week). I'm gonna try and work my way into practice before I play," he added.
Five-time Pro Bowler Adrian Wilson lined up with the starters at safety again. He continues to impress and make his case for a roster as he looks to rejuvenate his career. Rookie safety Marcus Trice intercepted a Fales pass on the last play of practice and took it back for a touchdown.
Special Teams
The special teams battles, particularly at punter and long snapper are far from being settled. Punters Tress Way and rookie Pat O'Donnell both showed strong legs and solid hang time.
Long snappers Brandon Hartson and Chad Rempel looked solid as well. The Bears will have a day off on Sunday, but they will be back on the practice field on Bourbonnais on Monday afternoon.