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Upon the conclusion of “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears,” it’s hard not to feel great about this team.
Yes, the Bears are 0-0. The true season doesn’t start until Sunday at 1 p.m. when the team welcomes the Tennessee Titans into town.
But the good vibes have been rolling all preseason, which saw the Bears go 4-0. No. 1 overall draft pick, quarterback Caleb Williams, looks ready for prime time. The Bears look like they’re gelling on and off the field, as their chemistry clearly shows en route to the season opener.
Take, for example, this interaction between star cornerback Jaylon Johnson and rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze.
We’ll see if this all translates to regular season success soon enough, but for now, the fifth and final episode of “Hard Knocks” showcased the team wrapping up the preseason and making cutdowns to the 53-man roster.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles spoke about that difficulty.
Poles was centerstage Tuesday for multiple reasons, obviously. One of them was a very tough cut of defensive back Adrian Colbert, a well-traveled veteran who has overcome tragedy, adversity and tremendous obstacles in his life to become an NFL player.
Colbert didn’t make the final 53, and it clearly ate up Poles.
The two sides ultimately separated on good terms.
Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. @wiltfongjr
Adrian Colbert on <a href=” GM Ryan Poles, “Ryan has been really awesome. Such a great guy, such a great leader, very present with his players in creating this environment where players are allowed to be themselves fully.” <a href=”https://t.co/AgBBtyGuVw”>https://t.co/AgBBtyGuVw</a>
Another was because the Bears got a trade offer on running back/wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., who eventually made the team. Chicago didn’t make a move, though.
Courtney Cronin @CourtneyRCronin
On the last episode of Hard Knocks, a conversation between Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus centered on a team inquiring about Velus Jones Jr. via a trade. Isn’t clear what was being offered but Poles said that he would “never go below a fourth.”<br><br>Jones was a 2022 third round pick.
It’s pretty clear the team values him quite a bit.
Ultimately, it’s been good vibes only for the Chicago Bears this preseason. Fans are pumped, to say the least.
Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. @wiltfongjr
Some <a href=” fans were upset at the lack of drama with the <a href=” on <a href=”, but what drama is there with this team? It’s year 3 for a roster that has been remade by Ryan Poles who values character and professionalism in his players. This group is focused winning and not drama.
John P. Sivels Sr. @JohnSivelsSr25
I really enjoyed watching my <a href=” on <a href=” Hard Knocks episodes. The Bears are going to have a great season this year! And as I’ve always said the <a href=” the Bears future is BRIGHT!!!! <a href=” <a href=” <a href=”https://t.co/EQmwcTUqrp”>https://t.co/EQmwcTUqrp</a>
Jennifer Wargin @snapshoted
<a href=” <a href=”, and Ryan Poles- As a high school teacher focused on <a href=” I am both motivated and moved when I see a customized <a href=” in the players lockers. Self-awareness of our emotions is a superpower! I am in awe! <a href=” <a href=”https://t.co/uNm3bKKZJx”>pic.twitter.com/uNm3bKKZJx</a>
outlaw sjl @sjlilly
Just finished <a href=” Been a long time since I’ve been so proud to be a <a href=” fan. Loved seeing the realtionships the players, coaches and ownership created this summer. There is something special brewing in ChiTown! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/BearDown?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#BearDown</a>
The episode ends, of course, with a shot of Williams centering himself during practice as the regular season rapidly nears.
It’s go time soon enough, as the Bears will kick off against the Titans on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.