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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.
NFL @NFL
.@RomeOdunze & @NBAxJay1 making each other better 🤝
Season finale of #HardKnocks with the @ChicagoBears airs tonight at 9pm ET on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/AmmphzTueA
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.
NFL @NFL
GM Ryan Poles knows firsthand how difficult cut day can be.
Season Finale of #HardKnocks with the @ChicagoBears airs tonight at 9pm ET on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/NfstOonLs6
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.
Khari D. Thompson @kdthompson5
What a moment from Ryan Poles. You can tell his character and his care for his players isn’t an act.
Also, it’s impossible not to root for Adrian Colbert.
The two sides ultimately separated on good terms.
Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. @wiltfongjr
Adrian Colbert on #Bears 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.” https://t.co/AgBBtyGuVw
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.”
Jones was a 2022 third round pick.
DaWindyCity Productions @dwcprodz
Wow looks like there was a trade offer from another team for Velus Jones
But Poles was saying it was below a 4th round value
It’s pretty clear the team values him quite a bit.
Ben Devine @Chicago_NFL
The Bears were offered a draft pick for Velus Jones, but Poles said that he wouldn’t trade him for less than a 4th round pick. Chicago really values his versatility. #DaBears
Nicholas Moreano @NicholasMoreano
Matt Eberflus had some strong words when talking about Velus Jones Jr. on the latest Hard Knocks:
“This guy is a potential game changer, for real. In certain spots.”
Ultimately, it’s been good vibes only for the Chicago Bears this preseason. Fans are pumped, to say the least.
Beettus @jakebeettus
That episode was amazing. Man did it give me goosebumps and make me emotional. I am so ready for this season. I really do believe something special is brewing #HardKnocks
Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. @wiltfongjr
Some #NFL fans were upset at the lack of drama with the #Bears on #HardKnocks, 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 @ChicagoBears on @StreamOnMax Hard Knocks episodes. The Bears are going to have a great season this year! And as I’ve always said the @NFLDraft the Bears future is BRIGHT!!!! #HardKnocks #DaBears https://t.co/EQmwcTUqrp
Mike Nunez @CoachNooner
#HardKnocks was a great season. The no swearing policy, seeing genuine compassion for injured players, the GM taking time to critique players that were cut. The franchise feels like it’s righted the ship. It feels great to be a #Bears fan. It’s time for sustained success.
Tyler Buterbaugh @TylerButerbaugh
My final takes on Bears #Hardknocks:
Bears are so back
Vibes in Chicago are through the roof
Sunday can’t come sooner#Bears.
Jennifer Wargin @snapshoted
@NFLFilms, @ChicagoBears, and Ryan Poles- As a high school teacher focused on #SEL, I am both motivated and moved when I see a customized #moodmeter in the players lockers. Self-awareness of our emotions is a superpower! I am in awe! #HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/uNm3bKKZJx
Jeff @roltsports87
Super Bears, Super Bowl. #HardKnocks
Tad Brace @TBrace20
#HardKnocks was fantastic. Tonight was a cool way to wrap it all up. #BearDown
diego @d1ego_777
#Hardknocks
Greatest episode by far
Many emotions and touched the heart
Great series. Loved every moment every episode
Offseason is over now
Regular season up next baby!!!
outlaw sjl @sjlilly
Just finished #HardKnocks Been a long time since I’ve been so proud to be a @ChicagoBears fan. Loved seeing the realtionships the players, coaches and ownership created this summer. There is something special brewing in ChiTown! #BearDown
The episode ends, of course, with a shot of Williams centering himself during practice as the regular season rapidly nears.
Jarrett Payton @paytonsun
Man, is it Sunday yet?!! I love this ending to #HardKnocks. #Bears pic.twitter.com/Zl7fAXc23g
It’s go time soon enough, as the Bears will kick off against the Titans on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
