LAKE FOREST, Ill. (WGN) — As the ramp-up period continues ahead of Monday’s first padded practice, Ben Johnson acknowledged his noticeable identity as the offense continues to work out the kinks.
“It’s everybody. It’s everybody. We’re learning, we’re growing. There are some things from the springtime expected to carry over, and that was probably one we just don’t have any tolerance for anymore. We have too far to go,” Johnson said. “Our guys, we have to end up executing, getting in and out of the huddle a certain way, and it wasn’t that way. So, we will be better today.”
After practice on Thursday, veteran safety Kevin Byard used a term popular among Gen Z to describe his head coach’s demeanor.
Johnson has “aura.”
“Yeah, you can just feel, I mean, the young guys kind of call it ‘aura,'” Byard said. “He breathes competition. You can just tell the intensity. I think he just wants the best for everybody, and I think that type of energy raises the level of everybody on the team. You’re only as strong as your weakest link, so that’s what we’re trying to preach.
“Every single person in the building, we’re just trying to get 1% better every day.”
Renewing their past relationship is moving ‘Swift’-ly along
Running back D’Andre Swift is entering his sixth NFL season, and reuniting with his old offensive coordinator is proving to be an incredibly similar experience on both sides of the equation.
“It’s amazing. I can’t say enough about how intelligent he is as a play caller. Him just knowing his personnel and putting his guys in positions to succeed – and that’s all across the board,” Swift said. “He’s been the same way. That’s what we need and what you want that from the head man. Can’t let anything slide by the wayside and let things go on without addressing them.
“You aren’t going to win that way.”
In turn, Johnson sees a similar player to the one he coached in Detroit, one that’s highly motivated and passionate about his craft, even if he doesn’t show it on the surface.
“He has always been quiet. He’s always been highly motivated on the inside. There’s a lot of things about him that are the same as what they’ve been. He’s not happy with how last year went for him,” Johnson said. “He’s really excited to help lead and spur this team forward. I don’t think I see a whole lot of differences from where he’s been, but I see a very hungry individual.”
Rookie injury notes
Johnson informed the media gathered at Halas Hall three rookies were held out of practice for various reasons Thursday.
Wide receiver Luther Burden III is considered “day-to-day” with the soft tissue injury that’s lingered since earlier this offseason.
Johnson said the Bears’ coaching staff has pushed him as much as their training staff will let them, while coaches and players continue to help get him up to speed on the playbook and verbiage.
“I know [Wide Receivers] Coach [Antwaan] Randle El has been all over him in meetings, keeping him involved. He’s being quizzed nonstop. Our quarterbacks are taking him to the side, whether it’s walkthroughs or on their own,” Johnson said. “So, he’s utilizing that time as much as he can, but there’s really no substitute for full-speed reps.
“The sooner we get him out there, the quicker he can carve a role for himself.”
Defensive lineman Shemar Turner and corner Zah Frazier were also absent Thursday. Johnson said Turner had an ankle injury Wednesday that’s still being evaluated and Frazier was excused for personal reasons.