Bears Bourbonnais Diary - Day 7 - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

After Monday's off day, we tackled a long one at training camp. Starting in the Kitchen here at Olivet Nazarene University. Shout out to Jeff Hilligoss- the GM of Sodexo who talked us through preparation for 90 plus NFL players. Not a total shocker, but he said the lineman eat really well…"not just what's on their plates, but how many plates they clean". Ha!

Since we're sports people, here are some stats from the kitchen: 25 pounds of veggies, 6-7 pounds of cooked rice, 12 pounds of chicken…at lunch. And he said they definitely eat more after practice so let's all agree…that's a TON of food to prepare in one day. But the Bears are grateful to Jeff and his staff for all they do during this important time. No pressure, but these are the chefs that really lay a food foundation for the season ahead. No wonder he starts menu planning 7 months in advance! He does have everything approved by the Bears. Apparently there was some switch in the Chocolate Milk that raised some eye brows. But Urlacher loves it, so the ‘truMoo' stays stocked in the cooler. Don't make 54 mad. Just sayin'.

After lunch the 5th practice resumed. The running theme so far has been the play of the receivers. Brandon Marshall has been nothing short of dominant through 2 padded practices. Credit both his chemistry with Jay Cutler and his relationship with Jeremy Bates. Bates routinely plays the role of defender on his receivers. Marshall said in one word Bates is "amazing". Apparently they remain in the re-married honeymoon phase of things. But the relationship between those 3 cannot be downplayed. This is the offensive power the Bears have been looking for. Stay healthy and they will not disappoint.

The offense wasn't super sharp today. Coach Tice said, you almost wish they hadn't had a day off. Kind of threw them off rhythm. It was particularly concerning how the Offensive line just collapsed around Cutler. Gabe Carimi had a rough afternoon. But it is training camp. It's all for practice. Coach Tice said, "If we all try to do better each day, then we'll collectively get better." He admitted he made a mistake today- should have run quarterback sneak on a 4th down play. But he's committed to getting better. That's what they are after and there is still a long way to go.

Notes: Marshall said honestly, he was concerned about Alshon Jeffry during OTA's and mini-camp, but now Marshall is actually learning from him. Marshall took notes during the mornings film session- this is a positive sign.

Dane Sanzenbacher is aware of the fact that he's in a heated battle to make the team. But feels better after a year on the field. He is already learning from Marshall…Brandon is a playmaker- how can they not.

Just Because: there was an errant fly in the media room before practice. He buzzed the tower about 4 times. Then Sun-Times Columnist Joe Cowley took out a note book to try to get him, but failure. So the Bears media relations extraordinaire Jim Christman said, "I'll get him- I've killed 11 today". Wouldn't you know- all it took was a little extra focus and the ONU fly became victim 12. Thanks Jim!