New Bears OC says he and Cutler have grown together

BOURBONNAIS - Dowell Loggains is in his first year as the Bears' offensive coordinator, but he says he'll benefit from having been the team's quarterbacks coach last season and the relationship he developed with Jay Cutler.

"That's probably part of my advantage because I was in every meeting with Jay (Cutler) and the quarterbacks, grinding it out," said Loggains, who was previously an offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans. "I'm still going to be part of that. We've grown together, we've grown this offense together, and we're trying to learn a little bit more."

Cutler enjoyed the best statistical season of his 10-year career in 2015 working closely with Loggains.

"I hate saying this, but we're probably a little more similar than maybe I'd like to be," a smiling Loggains said, drawing laughs. "But I do appreciate his work ethic, his professionalism and I love the way the guy competes."

The offense has been tweaked a bit from last year's unit that was led by Adam Gase, who parlayed his performance into the Miami Dolphins' head coaching position. Even if Gase stayed, subtle changes would have been made. And the new version has more similarities than difference to last year's attack.

"He's kind of like fine wine; he's better with age a little bit," Cutler said of Loggains. "He's getting more of a feel. I think the offense has really come into its own, at least on paper. I feel we've still got some things to clean up a little bit. I think he's getting more comfortable with his role and what the team has and how to use it."

Making an impression:

Rookie Daniel Braverman continues to show up with big plays at almost every practice.

"He just keeps making plays," coach John Fox said. "You know we're performance based, and I know it's just practice, but we try and simulate games as much as we can in the practice, and he continues to flash and make plays."

The 5-foot-10, 177-pound seventh-round pick from Western Michigan isn't a finished product yet, but he's earning more looks.

"We love his heart," offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. "We love his (will to) compete. He works really hard, and I think (wide receivers) coach C.J. (Curtis Johnson) has done a really good job with him. He's got some rat (street) ball in him. You don't want to take away the best part of him, and some of that is that he's got a knack to get open.

"He just has to understand to continue to grow and get open in the timing of the play. When the route's at 10 yards, (you don't) break it off at 6. But he's open."

Loggains said Braverman has rare intangibles that can't be taught.

"I think it's a trait that he got from mom, dad and God," the offensive coordinator said. "It's hard to teach, and he has the unique feel that way."

Injury report:

The good news of Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long's return from a strained calf was tempered by the fact that he didn't do much more than dress and stretch. But that's progress.

Tight end Khari Lee (shoulder) was also limited, as were defensive lineman Marquis Jackson (hamstring) and nose tackle Terry Williams (shoulder).

Seven players did not practice, including wide receivers Derek Keaton (knee) and Eddie Royal (concussion), tights end Ben Braunecker (ankle) and Zach Miller (concussion), linebackers Roy Robertson-Harris (illness) and Nick Kwiatkoski (hamstring) and cornerback Brandon Boykin (chest). Four players did not finish practice, including wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (muscle tightness), linebacker Danny Trevathan (knee) and offensive linemen Adrian Bellard (knee) and Nick Becton (illness).

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