BOURBONNAIS, Ill.This was the kind of moment the Bears had in mind when they traded two draft choices for wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Working against Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Tillman and safety Chris Conte, Marshall was 60 yards down the left sideline as Jay Cutlers pass arced toward him. The ball was underthrown by design, and Marshall suddenly broke back several yards as the defenders tried to match his adjustment.
They couldnt, and the result was the highlight pass reception of the first padded practice for 2012.
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Brandon Marshall is a scholarship player, coach Lovie Smith said. I think well agree with that.
The back-shoulder throw and catch had a particular sparkle because the Bears and the estimated 10,000 fans on hand were rendered silent early in practice when Marshall landed awkwardly, did not get up right away and was helped off the field by medical staff.
He returned shortly to a huge ovation from the crowd and produced a succession of high-level connections with Cutler.
A little scare there early on, Smith said. There was nothing to it, but you always fear it when one of your best players going down like that.
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Marshall was not alone in delivering impact plays in the passing game.
While Devin Hester was given the night off to rest a slightly injured right ankle, rookie wide receiver Alshon Jeffery worked himself free from physical press coverage on several occasions and made catches downfield.
Rookie tight end Evan Rodriguez continued to make downfield catches and coaches clearly are developing a role for him that could put pressure on starter Kellen Davis eventually.
But it was Marshall who created the biggest sensation. More than once, in fact.
Hes going against a good football player most of the night in Charles Tillman, Smith said. But you know when youre a good receiver and you have a good quarterback who can get the ball there, its just a one-on-one game.
Brandons going to win most of those battles.