Bears Players (8.27.22)
Bears TE Cole Kmet:
On how he approaches the preseason games leading into the regular season:
“We just keep doing what we are doing. I think we have progressed each time we have gone out there. We see the progression each and every week. We have another week now and then a week leading up to the game. We’ve got two weeks before we iron this thing out before Week One. We will just keep progressing and taking it day by day.
On the excitement and confidence that he has in the entire tight end group:
“We are having a lot of fun. Whether it is in the run-game or in the pass-game. We have been able to do things on both ends. It has been a lot of fun for our group. We are just going to keep going.”
On how he puts the ‘proper significance’ on the game and puts it in the right frame:
“I think it is just showing progression. I think we have talked about it and said it, but now you are starting to see it. We are starting to feel it a little bit more. We are just going to keep going with it, going with the season.”
On offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s performance and seeing him in game-action:
“It is interesting to see how he is pushing us in practice all the time. When it comes to games, you feel the confidence from him and us. As players, that is special. I feel that on the sideline. He brings a calming sense to all of us while we are on the field. That is pretty cool on his end.”
Bears RB David Montgomery
On how much pride he takes in his ability to cut-back:
“I love it. To get in an open space and show what I can do. I love it. Hopefully we can do that a lot, a bunch this year. So, I’m excited.”
On how he puts a win and an undefeated preseason into perspective:
“Just carry it over. That is how I see it. Just transition from the preseason to the regular season. Just being on top of things and being hard on each other so that we can be in the best position that we can be to win.”
On if he can see the execution of the new system:
“Yeah, of course. For me, I have played in the two previous preseason games. To be able to get out and get my feet wet and get back to where I was, it is kind of good for me. I feel like we are on track to be where we want to be.”
On the offensive line after the ‘rough’ first series:
“We have to come out better, faster, and come out swinging. They picked it all up. I did not come out hot on the first drive, but we all picked it up and managed to come together and put some drives together.”
On the team’s disciple during the preseason:
“That is what we teach. That is what coach (Head Coach Matt) Eberflus and everybody else around teaches. That is what he teaches as his principle. You have to be able to hustle, you have to have intensity. You’ve got to be smart. That is really what it is about. We pride ourselves on that.”
Bears WR Dante Pettis:
On what he saw from QB Justin Fields tonight:
“He was a lot more comfortable. It is always hard when you learn a new offense, especially in only your second year. It is tough. This is a complex offense, but you can tell he is starting to get it down.”
On how important it to be make an impact as a wide receiver and on special teams:
“The more you can do, coaches love that. I am just glad I had the opportunity to play both offense and punt return tonight.”
On how he feels about the reps he has gotten during the preseason:
“Pretty good. In the first two games, not a ton of action. It is hard when you only play a couple of quarters here and there, but I feel like I took advantage of the opportunities that I have had.”
On if he felt like he belonged in the NFL after his touchdown reception:
“I know I can play, but it is always good to have those little wins like that. Football is still scoring.”
Bears DB Greg Stroman Jr.:
On what he saw from QB Justin Fields tonight:
“That is way out of my hands. I can control only what I can control. I can just leave it all on the field and let everything else be everything else.”
On the bond with his teammates, including some he may not see again when the season starts due to roster changes:
“That is the key thing, it is a bond. Playing this game just brings guys together. That is tough. It is tough when those decisions have to be made. We know they have to be made. Everybody is out there giving their all they have together. It is a team game, so you have to have that bond.”
Bears OL Cody Whitehair:
On how the offensive line performed with the rotating personnel:
“I thought we came out that second drive, after starting a little slow, and really got things going. It was good momentum going into the season.”
On RB David Montgomery’s physical play in the back field:
“David has always been like that. It was good to see. It was good momentum going into the season.”
On what to take from tonight’s game:
“I felt like we were really clicking on all cylinders. I felt like the continuity was good, the communication was good. It is a good way to start the season.”
On QB Justin Fields’ overall performance tonight:
“He was great. From the second we got out on the field, he was really poised and handled the environment really well.”
On how much momentum stems from tonight’s win going into the regular season:
“We are 3-0 in the preseason, so that is a lot of momentum going into the season. We played a whole half tonight. It was a good way to start.”
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