BOURBONNAIS — The Sun-Times’ Mark Potash breaks down the best and worst of the Bears’ training camp, which ended Monday at Olivet Nazarene University:
Mike Glennon looked …
Like an inexperienced quarterback still finding his way — understandable considering he’s learning a new offense and learning new receivers, who themselves are learning a new offense. This is going to be a work in progress, but the pressure is on to hit the ground running in Week 1.
Mitch Trubisky looked …
Better than advertised. Trubisky’s obvious skills are enticing — the quick release, arm strength, accuracy, mobility and ability to throw on the run. He still has a lot to prove, but his performance in the preseason opener might have been an indication he’s closer to being ready than the Bears thought. We’ll see.
Do the Bears have a quarterback controversy?
Not yet. Unless the disparity in performance continues in the preseason, Glennon will be the Week 1 starter. But all bets are off — or should be — once the season starts. Then it’s the quarterback who gives the Bears the best chance to win.
He had a good camp …
Receiver Tanner Gentry. The 6-2, 209-pound undrafted rookie from Wyoming has consistently made big plays and is not a one-trick pony. He has caught everything short, middle and deep and has shown a knack for coming up with contested balls at each level. Still have to see it in games, though.
He had a disappointing camp …
Wide receiver Kevin White. The Bears are doing all they can to pump him up; Glennon even listed White with Cam Meredith as the two receivers with whom he has developed a rapport in camp — something the eye test doesn’t confirm. It remains to be seen if White still has the speed and other skills that made him the No. 7 pick of the 2015 draft. We just don’t see it out there.
I’ll be watching …
Guard Kyle Long. He’s expected to be ready for Week 1, but it’s not clear how good he’ll be after being so limited in the preseason — and how well he’ll hold up through a 16-game season.
Did camp change my opinion of the team’s future?
No. There are way too many unknowns. But first impressions were more good than bad: The defense should be better; the rookie class could have an immediate impact; Trubisky might be a factor sooner than expected; and while Long, linebacker Danny Trevathan and McPhee are question marks, significant on-the-field injuries were limited. But the bar has yet to be raised for this team — until further notice, 7-9 would be a good season.
Follow me on Twitter @MarkPotash.
Email: mpotash@suntimes.com
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