Training camp is just about over for the Chicago Bears, and their first preseason game of the 2023 season kicks off this weekend against the Tennesee Titans.
While it's a good rule of thumb not to overreact to training camp practices and the news from the media and fans in attendance, that doesn't mean there's nothing we can take away from the past few weeks.
With that in mind, here's what I think Bears fans can say they've learned about this team and specific players so far.
The 2023 Chicago Bears defense is not the 2022 defense.
While nothing is certain yet, the unofficial depth chart was released last week and showed six new starters on defense. While the unit still has a long way to go, it's clear that this will not be the same defense that gave up 34 points per game after the trade deadline or managed a paltry 20 total sacks in 17 games.
Despite a slow start to camp, the defense retaliated over the past week and gave the offense some fits. The secondary looks like a takeaway machine, and the run defense should pull a complete 180 after last year's historically awful results.
While the more high-powered offenses like Cincinnati or Kansas City won't yet fear Chicago's defense, I think it's reasonable to assume that side of the ball will take a massive step forward.
Chase Claypool is all business.
Claypool caught unwarranted fire this offseason while indulging in hobbies and side hustles between OTA's and training camp. Media and fans questioned his desire to be great and whether he would work to develop chemistry with Fields.