Matt Blanchard is motivated and ready to go as Chicago Bears’ training camp is underway at Mount Olivet College in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The Bears arrived in camp Wednesday and on the way into town the former UW-Whitewater Warhawk quarterback to tweet: “Been too long Bourbonnais. Couldn't wait to get down here... Let it begin!!”
Blanchard spent much of last season on the Bears’ practice squad prior to being released in December as part of roster moves due to late season injuries to players on the active roster. Blanchard was resigned in January to a 2-year, $900 thousand deal.
Blanchard participated in both the team’s rookie minicamp in May along with veterans’ minicamp in June followed by OTAs.
Matt has definitely been No. 3 on the depth chart during the off-season. The Lake Zurich, Illinois native fully understands that he enters training camp behind Jay Cutler and Josh McGown.
“Sometimes as a third- or fourth-string quarterback, Jay’s the guy and he’s running the show so you’ve really got to take notes, so I’ve been doing that, watching him and Josh [McCown] over the last year, learning how to be a pro,” Blanchard said.
Both new Bears head coach Marc Trestman and quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh have liked what they have seen from Blanchard.
“I saw a lot of potential,” Cavanaugh told CSNChicago.com. “I think he’s done a real good job of learning, he’s got a good, quick mind, processes information really well, and playing that position is about getting a lot of information from whoever is calling the play and processing it, spinning it back out the right way and then making a decision in two-and-a-half seconds. He’s shown that ability.”
At 6'3'', 225 pounds, Blanchard has the physical tools to play in the NFL. Head coach Marc Trestman has clearly had an early influence on the undrafted quarterback from Wisconsin-Whitewater.
“He’s got all the physical tools. He’s got mobility, a strong arm and can make plays with his legs. Now he’s just inexperienced so preseason is going to be huge for him.” Trestman said. “I think he has a chance to do very well.”
As the No. 3 quarterback heading into training camp this week hears how Chicago Tribune Bears’ beat writer Brad Biggs assesses Blanchard.
The more realistic question at the position is whether or not Matt Blanchard, in his second season as an undrafted free agent from Wisconsin-Whitewater, has a shot at cracking the roster. That decision will rest heavily on how he performs in preseason and while it’s too early to figure out playing time, the best guess is he’ll see heavy action in the Aug. 29 preseason finale vs. the Browns at Soldier Field.
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