NFC Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers

Bears

Bears HC Matt Nagy explained that the “time is now” for the team’s offense. 

“I think what we’ve put together — Ryan Pace has done such an amazing job of building the last three years — this roster that we have, we have a lot of depth,” Nagy said told Kenneth Davis on the Under Center Podcast. “And so now to be able to have the time to put together, we feel like we’re going to have a great opportunity offensively to do what we need to do. The time is now, we know that, and we’re looking forward to it. You can’t live in the past. And that’s not what we’re going to do. I refuse to allow that to happen. This is a new season, and so we got a fresh start. So let’s see what we can do with it.”

Nagy added that he’s embracing the challenge of delivering the city of Chicago a winner. 

“You just, you gotta win. I think that’s what we love about the fans in Chicago is they’re extremely passionate. They care so much about their Chicago Bears,” Nagy said. “They want to win. And that’s why I’m here, and trust me, I embrace it. I wouldn’t want it no other way.”

Last year, Nagy handed over play-calling duties to OC Bill Lazor during the season. However, he has reassumed that role. 

“We ran into a road bump last year in the middle of the season where we lost six games in a row. And that was hard after starting 5-1. So, at that point in time, I started with myself. What can I do better? We were kind of stuck in neutral and I thought it was a good idea to hand the play-calling over to Bill Lazor,” Nagy said. “I think he did a great job. But again, we look into the whys after every season and how we can get better. So, now we’re just really excited to see our players grow. We think we did a great job in the draft and bringing in some young talent, in particular on the offensive side of the ball, as well. So we’ll see. But we gotta do it. And it’s only a couple of weeks around the corner.”

Lions

Lions DT Michael Brockers said he’s enjoyed working with new HC Dan Campbell, who reminds him of Rams HC Sean McVay.

“Working with him is awesome, because he reminds me a lot of McVay and how he came in, as far as understands there’s no ego when it comes to his coaching style. It’s all about the team,” Brockers said via the Athletic’s Chris Burke.

Campbell made it a point to hire a number of former players to his coaching staff and Brockers added that’s having a positive effect so far. 

“They have an understanding of what we go through, so they understand it’s going to be tough. … Communication is vital. The way you communicate is vital, because a lot of guys don’t want to be yelled at or screamed at,” he said. 

Packers

• The Jets announced they will have joint practices with the Eagles and Packers.