There have been only 4 practices out in Bourbonnais, but we are finding out a lot about the 2013 Chicago Bears. Here are 5 things we learned.

This years is about Offense Vs. Defense

During “Camp Lovie” it was okay if the Chicago Bears defense trumped the offense. Camp Trestman is different. The new bears coach isn’t okay with the defense winning games and he is looking for the Bears offense to pick it up as camp continues. Trestman has already said he wants the offense to set the tempo at practice. It will be interesting to see how the defense responds if that starts to be the case. For the last 10 years the defense has been the driving side of the ball, but the offense appears to be turning the tables.

The Bears O-line needs work

Reports from camp show the D-line manhandling the O-line. Wooten, Peppers, Melton, McClellin, Paea…. It doesn’t matter. We are still early in camp and this is the first time the new line has worked together. If we get in the preseason and execution is lacking, Jay may have a tough year.

Kyle Long is likely to start game 1

Phil Emery didn’t invest a first round pick in Howie’s son for him to not play Sunday. Kyle is splitting reps with James Brown, not the singer, at right guard with the first team. If offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer thought Kyle was going to learn in his first year, he wouldn’t be giving Kyle meaningful reps.

Trestman doesn’t waste time

Wasted time doesn’t exist in Bourbonnais. Camp Trestman is becoming an asylum of chaos, stressing the offense and defense. With plays coming in quickly, the defense is forced to respond. We will have to wait until September to see if Trestman’s stress system is a success.

Jay Cutler has bought in….. for now

“Jay’s foot work is improved.” And “Jay seems more focused.” I have heard these two lines before when Mike Martz was in Chicago. Jay is committed to winning. Nobody takes the beating Jay has taken, gets up and throws a strike trying to lose. But if the O-line struggles, will Jay be able to focus on his mechanics? Early indications suggest Marc and Jay are working well together, but the real test starts in September.