Chicago Bears hold first training camp practice of the Ben Johnson era

There were ups and downs, you know, just like every other practice.

The Chicago Bears were on the practice field bright and early today for the first training camp practice of the Ben Johnson era. Mistakes were made, interceptions were thrown, and players were yelled at. There were some positives reported, too, but the negatives seem to rile fans up more. The beat writers in attendance share their observations, just as the reporters covering the other 31 teams do at this time of year. And just like Bears’ fans, the other 31 fan bases are more concerned about the negatives surrounding their team’s camp practice, too.

In the same vein as Gooch’s article this morning — What advice would you give a new fan of the Chicago Bears? — let me share some unsolicited advice.

• Not only is it just practice, but it’s the first day of practice.
• Don’t overreact to the negatives (or the positives).
• If the offense isn’t consistently hitting their landmarks when lining up or running routes in a week or two, then we can move it to DEFCON 4.
• Some players are ramping up, while others are held out entirely. It’s July 23. The first game is September 8. That’s the target date for the team to be ready.
• If Luther Burden III is still sidelined in a couple of weeks, we’ll DEFCON 4 that too.
• Look, it’s possible the Bears are going to suck again in 2025, but if they do, there’ll be plenty of time for future you to be pissed. Right now, relax and enjoy the ride until we know what this team will be.

Now for some practice and press conference observations from the beat.

First day of training camp notes:

– Caleb Williams was picked off early in 11-on-11 drills. Tremaine Edmunds got him on a pass over the middle.

– JP Richardson had the catch of the day. A one-handed grab down the left sideline deep from Tyson Bagent. Tight coverage.

– Ben Johnson was verbally and visibily upset during 7-on-7 drills with Caleb Williams and the first team. Stopped the drill twice after they couldn’t get lined up quickly enough. Eventually pulled the offense.

– Roschon Johnson had a nice one-handed catch.

Bears practice No. 1 just ended. Went from 8:45-10 a.m.

-Rookies Luther Burden III and Zah Frazier were not present. Burden appears to still be dealing with injuries from the spring (landed on a ball awkwardly in minicamp, sustained a soft tissue (hamstring) injury in OTAs)

-Nashon Wright was with the 1s during team and 7 on 7 in place of Jaylon Johnson (leg)

-Ozzy Trapilo was at left tackle with the 1s during team periods. All 3 – Trapilo, Jones and Amegadjie – were out there today, and the Bears rotated the 3 tackles through during walk thru periods.

-Tremaine Edmunds picked off Caleb Williams on the 1st play of 11 on 11. Tone setter for DC Dennis Allen: “He’s got size, he’s got range, he’s got speed…it’s hard to throw over him. He’s got a length in the middle of the field.”

-Case Keenum was QB2 today, Tyson Bagent QB3. Bears have said the backup competition is open, so I’d imagine we’ll see Bagent tomorrow with the 2s.