Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
What are you most interested in watching during training camp?
Robert H. - Kenilworth, Illinois
I'll be most interested in the progress that quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and his teammates are making with the new offense. To me, that will be the most important storyline in Bourbonnais. The unit made a lot of strides throughout the offseason and needs to pick up where it left off. There's always more of an emphasis on the running game when the pads come on and the timing and rhythm of the passing game are different in full-contact drills. I think it's a big plus that the offense will be challenged every day by an experienced defense that's been together for a few years now under coordinator Vic Fangio. That should certainly help with the preparation.
With all the recent talk about Zach Miller and his injury, I was wondering how is Johnny Knox doing?
Jessica F.
I had a chance to speak with Johnny Knox last week when he attended a minicamp practice along with several other former Bears players, and he told me that he was feeling good. As we all know, his NFL career came to an abrupt halt when he suffered a freak back injury in a 2011 game against the Seahawks. But he can walk and move around just fine and is still able to play golf. He also told me that he's excited about starting his first coaching job—as an assistant at Carmel High School in Mundelein this year.
Do you think the Bears are in as serious trouble as I do when it comes to pass rush depth? With Aaron Lynch already missing time, even if Leonard Floyd takes big steps in getting healthy and improving as a pass rusher, he's only one man.
Matt
Experienced depth is certainly an issue at outside linebacker, but defensive coordinator Vic Fangio doesn't seem too worried about it. And if that's the case, I won't be either. Fangio pointed out that the Bears also have Sam Acho, Aaron Lynch and young players in Isaiah Irving and sixth-round pick Kylie Fitts. Said Fangio: "There is a little bit of question there of depth and depth quality, but we're confident that the guys we have there, somebody will surface to be the two starters and couple backups we need."
