Bears' longtime avoidance of 'Hard Knocks' looks silly after favorable first episode

We’re one episode into the Bears’ first appearance on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” and already their longtime apprehension for the show looks silly.

From the beginning, the organization had deftly avoided participating in the fan-favorite show, which closely follows teams through training camp. Bears brass didn’t want players and coaches distracted as they prepared for the season.

And now, after only one episode, in which the Bears defied popular opinion and appeared to be a competent organization ...