Bears Kick Off Training Camp Under New Head Coach Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears launched their training camp Tuesday at Halas Hall, marking the debut of head coach Ben Johnson. The atmosphere was charged as players took to the field for the first time under his leadership.

Notably absent was rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during the offseason program. Johnson refrained from addressing the media post-practice, leaving questions about Burden's status unanswered. His absence on the first day raises concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season.

In a moment that set the tone for the day, Caleb Williams' initial pass during team drills was intercepted by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, highlighting the challenges ahead for the young quarterback.

To bolster Williams' performance, General Manager Ryan Poles made significant roster changes, bringing in guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, along with center Drew Dalman. These additions aim to rectify last season's staggering 68 sacks and enhance offensive consistency.

Johnson's frustration was palpable when he pulled the first-team offense off the field at one point, signaling dissatisfaction with their execution. Tight end Cole Kmet remarked that this decision was expected, emphasizing that the mistakes made were fundamental errors that should have been avoided. "No detail goes unnoticed," Kmet stated, underscoring Johnson's meticulous approach.

The intensity of training camp was unmistakable from the outset. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen initiated practice with up-down drills, a strategy Kmet noted carried over into team drills. "Allen brings a lot, especially the first days of camp," he said.

Allen elaborated on his philosophy, stating, "It's a way to mentally train players to be tough and to push through adversity. As much as training them physically, it's about training them mentally." His focus is on establishing a strong defensive culture, with Grady Jarrett identified as an ideal fit for this vision.

"The key is going balls to the wall every day," Jarrett explained. "This is the time where you really callous your body so you can sustain a long season and be healthy because this is going to be the hardest time of the season."

Linebacker TJ Edwards reflected on the drills, likening them to his experiences in middle school but expressed satisfaction with the team's commitment to the process. "It’s cool to have everyone buying in," he noted.

The Bears' training camp is off to a vigorous start, setting the stage for what promises to be an eventful season ahead.