The Chicago Bears unveiled their 2020 training camp YouTube series, "1920 Football Drive," on Monday night, and if the first episode is any indication of what's to come, Bears fans are in for a treat.
The premiere episode was a shade over 15 minutes long and left me wanting more.
Here are four takeaways from Episode 1.
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The Bears are dominating the social distancing game
Kudos to Ryan Pace, Matt Nagy, and the entire Bears organization for implementing what may be the most thorough and comprehensive plan in the NFL to combat COVID-19. In the first episode of "1920 Football Drive," we got an up-close look at how different Halas Hall looks with the challenges of social distancing in a training camp environment. The space between players in team meetings, the use of face coverings, and the attention to every detail (like sanitizing equipment and installing touchless technology to open doors) are top-notch. No one knows exactly how the novel coronavirus will impact the 2020 NFL season, but the Bears are doing everything within their control to keep the players, coaches, and football staff safe.
Allen Robinson is that dude
What better way to kick off the web series than a drive with the Bears' most important offensive playmaker. He spoke poignantly about the challenges training camp thrusts on players, especially between the ears. It's a grind, and Robinson's honesty about how hard it can be to keep the right focus and state of mind was refreshing. Robinson will be one of the most entertaining players to follow throughout the series. Re-sign the man!
NFL
How can you not cheer for Matt Nagy?
Let's not forget how incredible Nagy's first season as the Bears' head coach was. He went 12-4 and was the NFL's Coach of the Year as a rookie. And yeah, the 2019 Bears didn't meet expectations, but if any coach is capable of leading this team to another winning season, it's Nagy. In Episode 1, he was likable, sincere, and obviously cares. If his speech about Virginia McCaskey and her emotional investment in the Bears didn't resonate with the players, then they shouldn't be playing in Chicago.
Bill Lazor is going to make a difference
Monday's episode provided a nice opportunity to see Lazor, the Bears' offensive coordinator, at work. You can see why he was Nagy's choice. They're similar dudes. Lazor's enthusiasm is contagious and he's going to get the most out of his offense (and the quarterbacks). Nagy's regression as a play-caller in 2019 makes Lazor one of the most critical offseason additions to the coaching staff. He certainly looked the part in Episode 1.