Does Webb have early edge at LT for Bears?
BOURBONNAIS — On Tuesday, after J’Marcus Webb took all the first-team reps at left tackle, Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice said: “We alternate days. So, Webb one day; (Chris) Williams one day.”
However, on Wednesday, there was Webb, back with the ones at left tackle. Williams and Gabe Carimi alternated at right tackle with each taking reps with the starters and the second team.
So, it appears the competition for the starting left tackle job may be over after four practices in full pads.
Not so fast, according to Bears coach Lovie Smith.
“We’re just six days into camp,” Smith cautioned. “Just give us time. You’re going to see a lot of different combinations at a lot of different positions. This is just one you saw (Wednesday).”
That being said, Webb is clearly the leader in the clubhouse, even if no one’s admitting it.
“We have a system and a rotation that we’re looking at,” Smith said. “We want to get a good look at everyone, and that’s what we’re doing right now.”
After practice, Williams did not sound like a guy who was just getting a look at a different position, one where he started 11 games in 2009. But Williams said he didn’t think the competition with Webb was over.
“I just came out and (Tice) said wanted to work me on the right so I worked some on the right,” Williams said. “I don’t know what’s going on. I just do what they tell me to do. There’s no point in being (teed) off about things you can’t control. Whatever they decide to do is on them.”
Whoever gets the job, he will benefit from as many reps with the first team, and so a quick decision is ideal.
“Giving me those more reps will definitely give me more time to develop,” said Webb, who isn’t assuming anything — or at least admitting it. “If I keep grinding and focus on my assignments and the little things I’ll get my goals achieved.”
Webb said Tice is looking for specific things from him.
“He wants to see me get nasty and throw some dudes into the stands,” he said. “There are things that I have to work on every day. That’s all I’m focused on.”
Upon further review:NFL commissioner Roger Goodell visited training camp Wednesday and discussed the current labor dispute with officials that could see replacements working regular-season games.#147;We#146;re confident they can do the job,#148; Goodell said of the replacement officials. #147;But we want to overall improve officiating, and we#146;ve got some ideas on how to do that.#148;But bringing in inexperienced replacements doesn#146;t seem to be a great idea to improve NFL officiating.With New York hosting the 2014 Super Bowl, Goodell was asked about the possibility of the big game being played at Soldier Field.#147;Let#146;s see how it works (in New York), and we will make some evaluations from there,#148; he said. #147;We do believe football is made to be played in the elements. So we are actually excited about it.#148;Bumps and bruises:Linebacker Brian Urlacher sat out Wednesday#146;s practice with a sore knee, and minor injuries also sidelined wide receiver Eric Weems and linebacker Adrien Cole.