Bears demote RB Thomas Jones to 2nd string

[Tom22406 0]

Bears demote Briggs, Jones to second string at camp

Associated Press

6/2/2006

 

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- It's only June, but not too early in the NFL schedule for the Chicago Bears to make a lineup change.

 

On the first day of the Bears' three-day mini-camp Friday, coach Lovie Smith moved All-Pro linebacker Lance Briggs and 1,300-yard rusher Thomas Jones to the second string because both players failed to participate in the team's voluntary offseason conditioning program.

 

"We have a starting rotation and that's how it is," Smith said. "In order to be at the top of the starting rotation, you have to be here. So that's how it is."

 

Cedric Benson replaced Jones with the first team while Briggs' weakside linebacker spot was manned by Leon Joe.

 

Briggs' contract expires after this season and the Bears have discussed a contract extension. The linebacker said Friday he still wants a new deal with Chicago.

 

"I'm happy to be here, I'm out here to play football," Briggs said. "I'm a Chicago Bear. I'm happy to be here."

 

Jones would not comment on why he failed to participate in workouts.

 

Smith wouldn't say whether the lineup will remain the same for training camp, which begins July 27 in Bourbonnais. The team has a full month of light workouts ahead in June after mini-camp.

 

Smith emphasized that at least he has his two starters back at workouts for now.

 

"We need to get back out on the football field," Smith said. "That's the only way to get better is to actually get out here and start working together as a team. It was definitely good to get those two players back in the fold."

 

The Bears enjoyed good attendance the first day of camp as they looked at new backup quarterback Brian Griese in practice for the first time. Defensive tackles Alfonso Boone (wrist surgery) and Tank Johnson (quad muscle), and fullback Bryan Johnson (foot strain) were among key players unable to compete

 

"Competition kind of begins now," Smith said. "We have a lot of battles we think will play out at the different positions, and that's how you want it to be with a team with depth. You want to have competition at most of the positions and that's what we think we have.

 

"Defensively, of course, we made a lot of progress last year. Offensively, we know we need to take another step up, and I think we'll do that."

 

Link

[Hurricane Ditka 0]

I wouldn't read into this at all. Briggs and Jones were not showing up to the offseason practices that were not mandatory.

[Tom22406 0]

I wouldn't read into this at all. Briggs and Jones were not showing up to the offseason practices that were not mandatory.

 

I'm reading that Smith is leaving the job open for either TJ or Benson to win during camp.

[Tom22406 0]

Smith's rule rules

Jones, Briggs get demoted for exiting workouts in April

 

By K.C. Johnson

Tribune staff reporter

Published June 2, 2006, 10:23 PM CDT

 

Thanks for the 1,335 rushing yards last season, Thomas Jones. Congratulations on your All-Pro season, Lance Briggs.

 

Now, welcome to Bears mini-camp in 2006.

 

"To be at the top of the starting rotation, you have to be here," coach Lovie Smith said after Friday's first practice. "That's how it is.

 

"Cedric [benson] is at the top of the starting rotation at running back. Leon Joe worked with the [first team] at the linebacker position."

 

The Bears responded to Jones and Briggs leaving voluntary team workouts in late April by demoting their leading rusher and second-leading tackler, at least for now.

 

Jones and Briggs both eventually took very limited snaps with the first team Friday. But Smith's message should surprise no one who has watched how he has conducted business in his first two seasons as Bears coach.

 

If it surprised Jones or Briggs, neither was saying.

 

"I know what you want to ask me about and I don't have any comment," Jones said.

 

Briggs flashed a sly smile.

 

"I'm out here to play football," he said. "I'm a Chicago Bear. I'm happy to be here."

 

Smith doesn't seem concerned if people are happy, just that they're at Halas Hall.

 

"Happy campers?" Smith said. "I think they're happy as far as being back with their teammates. I know the team is happy to see them back. Both players meant an awful lot to us last year. Hopefully, it will be the same this year."

 

Smith's philosophy is the same, one from which he never has wavered and that he explained to Jones and Briggs in private discussions late Thursday. Whether those words resonate long enough for both players to report for training camp July 26 in Bourbonnais remains to be seen.

 

"Everything starts over," Smith said. "I wish we didn't have to play anyone and we could be NFC North champions this year. But they make us play. So all guys will have to establish themselves again."

 

Look for Briggs to do so, and not just because he has more leverage than Jones both on and off the field. Joe has made only three starts in his two NFL seasons. And draftee Jamar Williams isn't projected as an immediate impact player.

 

Plus, Briggs only has one season remaining on his rookie contract. Even though management pulled its offer after contract extension talks broke off, it eventually must weigh the thought of losing Briggs for nothing as an unrestricted free agent.

 

As for Jones, he has two seasons remaining on his contract and has dealt with the perception the Bears didn't use the fourth overall pick in 2005 to have Benson sit ever since the tailback shook Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's hand on draft day.

 

Tellingly, Smith praised the conditioning of Benson and backup Adrian Peterson. Never mind that Jones, a workout fanatic, looked more buffed than a waxed car.

 

Benson dropped at least two passes but believes a better grasp of the playbook will benefit him after he missed all of last off-season because of his contract holdout.

 

Benson downplayed the Jones' situation serving as motivation and hoped animosity wouldn't enter their competition.

 

"I don't think it helps make me a better player having him here in particular," Benson said. "But I don't like to bring my personal feelings to work. I can't speak for him."

 

Link

[sharkie22 0]

I think it's a good decision on Smiths part just by setting the tone and expectations for future off season "voluntary" camps and being part of a team.

[Tom22406 0]

[football_scooter 0]

This was reported a couple days ago - but with far less fanfare.

 

Topic basically stated that Benson was working with 1st team.

 

I don't see anything here that's different except for rampant speculation as to what it means.

 

Time will tell what it means. Right now it is what it is.

[Tom22406 0]

This was reported a couple days ago - but with far less fanfare.

 

Topic basically stated that Benson was working with 1st team.

 

I don't see anything here that's different except for rampant speculation as to what it means.

 

Time will tell what it means. Right now it is what it is.

 

Isn't everything at this point specualtion?

 

Makes for good conversation(sometimes)

[SoloMatisse 0]

Im reading that Benson has the job right now, and he's not about to give it back. This is not a shocker.