Bears' top draft picks keep working to build chemistry and other key moments from the second episode of 'Hard Knocks'
After a brief delay before being able to stream it, HBO's "Hard Knocks" with the Chicago Bears put together another phenomenal look at the team's preparation for the 2024 NFL season.This week's episode focused on the Bears second preseason victory against the Buffalo Bills, as well as the week of practice that led up to […]
After a brief delay before being able to stream it, HBO's "Hard Knocks" with the Chicago Bears put together another phenomenal look at the team's preparation for the 2024 NFL season.
This week's episode focused on the Bears second preseason victory against the Buffalo Bills, as well as the week of practice that led up to it. The central theme throughout was clearly about preparation and making the most of your opportunity.
Several players on the Bears team displayed both of those traits during this week's episode. With the episode now over, here are the top moments of the week.
Chemistry Is Growing Between Caleb Williams & Rome Odunze
Everyone was eager to see the Bears' top two draft picks on the field and in action against the Bills on Saturday, but unfortunately the two were unable to connect during the two drives played by the starters.
Even still, this week's episode showed how close the two are starting to become. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze had a great clip early in the episode where the two were coordinating routes together and giving each other a hard time in practice.
The best clip between the two came after Williams threw the ball out of bounds on 3rd-and-goal in the direction of Odunze during the second preseason game. After the failed conversion, Williams was immediately walking back over the play with Odunze on the sideline, trying to figure out how to get it right next time. Those connections will eventually come as this duo is just getting started.
UDFA Ian Wheeler Overcomes The Tough Love
Bears running back Ian Wheeler was the team's undrafted rookie spotlight this week, after offensive lineman Theo Benedet shined during the first episode.
Wheeler's turn in the spotlight couldn't have come at a better time following his big debut against the Buffalo Bills this weekend. The best part of Wheeler's segment this week wasn't just his performance in Buffalo, it was his resiliency on the practice field.
The episode had all Wheeler's rookie struggles on full display during practice between dropping balls and getting tackled in the backfield. Bears running backs coach Chad Morton was especially hard on Wheeler but was also the first person running down the field when Wheeler finally broke a big run in team drills. That kind of tough love goes a long way for a rookie if he's willing to roll with the punches. Wheeler clearly was, which is something his coaches will remember going forward.
Iron Sharpens Iron Between Two 2023 Pro Bowlers
Keenan Allen and Jaylon Johnson already had some prior history after facing each other twice during the 2023 season before becoming teammates in Chicago, once during the Week 8 matchup against the Chargers and again in the 2023 Pro Bowl.
Now on the same team, Allen and Johnson have been going head-to-head in practice, however we learned there's been lopsided results. Last week while talking to the media, Allen noted that he's yet to record a catch against Johnson in practice.
"He's patient, he plays his assignment well. He knows routes, he's always looking to make a pass breakup," Allen said. "He doesn't like anybody to catch the ball on him. He's greedy in that way, which is a good thing… I haven't had a catch on him"
Tuesday's episode showed a closer look at the battle taking place between the two stars with Johnson getting the upper head against Allen on the field. It's great to see these two perfecting their craft while making each other better along the way.
Rookie Pass Rusher Makes His Presence Known
Another great spotlight during the clips shown from Saturday's game against the Bills were of rookie pass rusher Austin Booker. Booker put together an amazing game, recording 2.5 sacks and looking unguardable off the edge.
"He's getting better. He's doing good things. He was physical with his rushes," defensive coordinator Eric Washington said about Booker on Tuesday. "He never gave up on the rushes. He never gave up on his rushes. He's doing some really nice things."
Washington's praise was even higher from what we saw from "Hard Knocks" sideline access. After Booker's first sack of the game, the first of his NFL career, Washington made sure to let his rookie know that it will be his first of many and challenged him to get three more. He didn't quite get that number, but he still made his presence known.
Five best moments from the first episode of HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ with the Chicago Bears
It’s going to be a great season.
