The latest episode of Hard Knocks closely followed a couple of young players having success.
Best moment: Matt Eberflus and Caleb Williams meeting
After the first preseason game, a strong outing from No. 1 pick Caleb Williams at Buffalo, we were again given insight of the quarterback’s one-on-one meetings with head coach Matt Eberflus. They seem to dive into everything, from the types of looks and coverages a defense is giving to footwork on play-action. Obviously, they have a long way to go to even approach them, but it’s worth noting that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady held those types of meetings for years during their unprecedented run of success in New England.
Worst moment: Lack of depth
Through three episodes, this has been an overly rosy season of Hard Knocks—and it feels unlikely to change with the direction they’ve gone. There weren’t really any worst moments to pick from, as practice was essentially a bunch of highlights and positive moments from joint practices with the Bengals. Going 3-0 in the preseason helps, but there has been virtually no drama on this season of Hard Knocks to this point. At least off the field, we saw Chicago attempting to acquire pass rusher Matthew Judon from the Patriots and not being able to do so.
Funniest moment: Velus Jones Jr. discusses his ferret
It was very funny to hear Velus Jones Jr. talk to the media about how he got his late beloved ferret, Crash, along with former USC roommate Michael Pittman Jr. They got the ferret in Southern California on Craigslist, so naturally they were unsure about the situation meeting someone in an alley to complete the transaction. Recalling the moment, which turned out OK, Jones hilariously told Pittman to “keep the car running.”
Underrated moment: Following Tory Taylor
Australian punter Tory Taylor, a fourth-round pick out of Iowa, looks like he’s going to be a legitimate weapon to help the Bears flip the field, and it was wise to focus on him a bit during Hard Knocks. Taylor seems to be acclimating well to the NFL both with his success in pinning opponents down and building a rapport with his teammates. Also, it was funny to hear that he does not like the potential nickname, “Crocodile Punter.”
Best quote: Caleb Williams
“Zero. I don’t get nervous.”
MVP: Tyler Bagent
Early in the episode, former NFL MVP Matt Ryan was watching film with Bears general manager and former Boston College teammate Ryan Poles at the team’s headquarters, and he was impressed by second-year undrafted quarterback Tyson Bagent, noting the progress he’s made from last year. Bagent understands his current role as Williams’ backup, but he’s working and striving for more in his career. Bagent—with 81 tickets purchased for family and friends, including his world-champion arm-wrestling dad Travis, who is quite the character—in what is likely to be his most extensive action of the year—was excellent in the win over the Bengals. Bagent hit Dante Pettis for two touchdowns, including a total dime to the front pylon.