When the Chicago Bears began practicing under new head coach Ben Johnson earlier this offseason, the intensity was apparent right away. Johnson wouldn’t tolerate sloppy plays or missed details and made sure they were corrected on the spot. It seems that sentiment is carrying over to training camp.
During the Bears’ first practice of training camp, Johnson didn’t hesitate to make his presence known, yelling at players to get the details correct and to run the plays properly. But there was one sequence that was so bad, Johnson had had enough. According to the media in attendance, Johnson pulled quarterback Caleb Williams and the starting offense off the field during a 7-on-7 period when they couldn’t get lined up properly. “You’re out,” Johnson said via Cassie Carlson of FOX 32.
It’s a decision previous Bears coaches may not have made, but Johnson is showing he’s different. “I think that’s on par for how Ben is,” tight end Cole Kmet said after practice. “If you’re not doing it right, he’s going to pull you out.”
The veteran tight end also explained that he was “not surprised” when Johnson removed the first team offense after not operating properly. “That’s stuff we should know.” The Bears have been away for quite some time and are re-learning what was taught during OTAs and minicamp, but the standards are set high, and the offense hasn’t reached them yet.
We’ll see how the starters respond over the next few days and whether or not this becomes a recurring issue or was simply a first-day lapse.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Why Ben Johnson pulled the Bears starting offense on Day 1 of training camp
Reporting by Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
