Hoge's Bears OTA Notebook: Marshall-Tillman Matchup Fun To Watch
By Adam Hoge-
HALAS HALL (CBS) The Bears were back at it Wednesday in the middle of their second week of OTAs. Here are some thoughts and observations straight from my notebook:
- The Brandon Marshall-Charles Tillman matchup is a lot of fun to watch and will be even better in training camp when the players are wearing pads. Tillman talks a lot more than Marshall, but their on-field exchanges are pretty great. At one point Wednesday, Marshall was covered well by Tillman and said, "Good disguise."
Tillman responded by saying: "You like that? It's like a chess match out here. I try to do a little something every now again. I'm trying to get good too."
- Wednesday's No. 1 offensive line had J'Marcus Webb and Chris Williams once again competing at left tackle, Chris Spencer at left guard, Roberto Garza at center, Lance Louis at right guard and a number of new guys getting reps at right tackle while Carimi sits out. Last week, Mansfield Wrotto and A.J. Greene got the bulk of reps on the right side, but rookie James Brown also got some time with the No. 1s this week.
- Gabe Carimi had a very subtle Cutler-esque shot at former offensive coordinator Mike Martz, saying sack counts should go down now that Mike Tice is in charge of the offense. Unlike Cutler's shots, Carimi's comment appeared to more of a simple observation rather than an intentional dig at Martz. Here's the latest on Carimi's health.
- Devin Hester had a pretty nice day, making two impressive catches, including one that would have gone for a long touchdown after the catch. After practice, he said the Bears are working on a "Hester package" that will actually be used this year.
- I continue to be impressed by undrafted free agent wide receiver Chris Summers from Liberty. All he does is make plays and he has the size and speed to play in the NFL. We don't have access to the coaches during OTAs, but I'm eager to hear what Mike Tice and Jeremy Bates think about the rookie.
- First-round draft pick Shea McClellin continues to work with the No. 2s. Second-round pick Alshon Jeffery continues to work primarily with the No. 2s, but received a few reps with the No. 1s and has received plenty of passes from Jay Cutler. Jeffery appears to the No. 4 wide receiver right now with Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester and Earl Bennett as the starters. Bennett has been working out of the slot.
- The No. 1 safeties appear to be Major Wright and Chris Conte, but Conte didn't have a great practice. Wright was very vocal, barking out directions. The No. 1 defensive line had Matt Toeaina and Henry Melton at tackle and Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije at defensive end. Last year's second round pick Stephen Paea continues to work with the No. 2s.
- Kellen Davis sat out again with an undisclosed injury. Brian Urlacher was once again limited to walk-through reps.
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