LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- New Bears coach Matt Eberflus only knows one way to develop a defensive identity. It's by training with great attention to detail and a relentless intensity. He believes wholeheartedly in this approach.
With that as context, Eberflus made no apologies Wednesday afternoon after the Bears had their Tuesday practice in OTAs canceled as a penalty from the NFL for the team's previous violation of collectively bargained contact rules. Neither Eberflus nor the organization was fined, he said. Eberflus did acknowledge a series of plays during practice in May caused concern and pointed to his "respect" for the punishment, but he emphasized he won't change his beliefs as a coach.
The Bears didn't intend to commit any wrongdoing in practice in May, Eberflus said. They were simply working through drills at a high tempo, and too much contact occurred. They won't be slowing down.
"The guys run," Eberflus said of his practices. "They run on offense. They run on defense. And, man, we run.
"Those guys are really flying to the ball. They're really moving to the ball. It looks fast to me."
After the whistle blows on each play in Bears practice, players finish their assignment. They sprint down the field and simulate their work with game-like intensity. When one drill is over, the groups run to what's next. It's what Eberflus promised when he was hired by the Bears in January, telling players in his introductory press conference to "get your track shoes on because we're running." He meant it.
While the Bears are still installing their scheme, Eberflus has drilled in his style of play.
"It's intense, don't get me wrong," said Bears guard Cody Whitehair, who's playing for his third head coach in seven years. "But this team is young, and we kind of need that intense practice and expectation from the group. We do have a lot of young guys and the expectations are high, so you've got to expect an intense practice. I feel like the guys have really worked hard and have gotten a lot out of it."
As the Colts' defensive coordinator for the past four years, Eberflus oversaw a unit that consistently forced turnovers. Indianapolis was second in takeaways last season and first in turnover percentage. His defense ranked in the top 10 of turnovers forced in each of those four seasons.
Eberflus believes that success is the byproduct of practicing with intensity. He sees it as a culture, not a coincidence. Early on, the Bears are buying in.
"Guys are coming in to prove themselves, and that's including me," Bears tight end Cole Kmet said. "So, when someone says you're going 100%, you're going 100%. I'm not going to ease up.
"Guys want to show what they've got."
That's the theme as Eberflus and new general manager Ryan Poles work through their first year leading the Bears and look to identify players who can fit in their future. The coaching staff has rotated players in and out of first-team roles during practice. Two weeks ago, incumbent starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson was relegated to the second team. On Wednesday, 2021 second-round pick Teven Jenkins was bumped to a backup role as rookie Braxton Jones stepped in at left tackle.
When given a chance by Eberflus, the Bears aren't going to practice at less than full speed. They're out to make an impression.
Playing for Eberflus means working with intensity.
"The attitude is outstanding," Eberflus said. "The togetherness, I can feel the team coming together.
"We're really starting to gel here and create the culture we want to create."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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