Offense concludes practice with strong two-minute drill
The Chicago Bears held their eighth training camp practice on Thursday at Halas Hall, marking their third session in pads and their longest workout to date, lasting over two hours. The practice concluded with the No. 1 offense executing an impressive two-minute drill. Quarterback Caleb Williams capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Luther Burden III, leaving 0:14.2 on the clock.
The drive began with the offense at its own 35-yard line, trailing by three points with 1:41 remaining. Williams completed 6 of 6 passes for 53 yards to five different receivers. This performance followed a practice on Tuesday that coach Ben Johnson described as “not good enough as a whole team, and certainly not as an offense,” citing issues such as false starts, delay of game penalties, dropped passes, and center-quarterback exchange problems.
The offense’s success in the two-minute drill was attributed to attention to detail and communication, according to receiver Kalif Raymond. He noted that the team’s understanding of their plays was key, regardless of the defense’s knowledge. The drive also incorporated a run game, with D’Andre Swift gaining 16 yards on the first play.
Defensive updates and player development
Before practice, Coach Johnson provided an update on safety Coby Bryant, who sustained a knee injury on Monday. The team is still in the process of gathering information regarding the timeline and extent of Bryant’s injury. Veteran free-agent acquisition Cam Lewis has been working in Bryant’s spot with the No. 1 defense, shifting his focus primarily to the safety position after Bryant’s injury.
Lewis, who signed with the Bears in March after seven seasons with the Bills, expressed his comfort at the safety position, having played it for four or five years. He highlighted the differences between playing safety and nickel, noting that things happen faster in nickel, while safety allows for a broader view of plays developing. Lewis also praised defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for his passionate approach to defense.
Rookie first-round pick Dillon Thieneman is paired with Lewis at safety and is making progress in his first NFL training camp. Coach Johnson observed that Thieneman’s play speed is starting to emerge, though he is still processing a lot of information. Assistant coaches Al Harris and Matt Giordano are working to get him up to speed.
In other news, right tackle Darnell Wright signed a four-year contract extension on Tuesday. Johnson commended Wright for his hard work, noting that he earned second-team All-Pro honors last season. Johnson emphasized that Wright’s journey serves as an example for young players, demonstrating how consistent effort leads to long-term contracts.
Linebacker T.J. Edwards returned to practice on Wednesday after being activated off the non-football injury list. Edwards had been sidelined by a calf injury sustained during his own workouts before training camp. Johnson expressed satisfaction at having Edwards back, noting his presence and communication on defense.
The practice session also included a physical 9-on-7 inside run period, which excludes receivers and defensive backs. Defensive end Austin Booker commented on the drill, stating that it aligns with the team’s aggressive mentality for the year.
Source: chicagobears.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.