Chicago Bears players know what’s coming from Ben Johnson after minicamp and are ‘expecting the worst’ when they return
The Chicago Bears wrapped up a successful spring sessions of practices and the heat is only going to turn up in six weeks time when the team returns for the start of training camp in late July.
The Chicago Bears wrapped up nine successful practice sessions this spring over the last three weeks between voluntary organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. Next up on the NFL calendar, training camp. After a six-week break, of course.
Training camp in Chicago got a whole new meaning last year in the first offseason under head coach Ben Johnson. No one knew what to expect from the first-year head coach and the team walked out of camp with a whole new level of respect.
After focusing on techniques and fundamentals the last few weeks, the dial is about to be turned up next month when players report back to the facilities. And the majority of the roster has a clear understanding of what’s to come this time around.
Chicago Bears begin the offseason break with a challenging camp on the horizon
Johnson’s training camp routine was far from a walk in the park. It was physically exhausting sessions with full contact and live situations, all out in the heat to prepare the team for what’s really to come. That won’t change in Year 2 under Johnson’s watch.
“We’re still going through the weeds there of what the training camp schedule is going to look like,” Johnson told reporters on Thursday. “I’m hoping, over the next few days, to stamp a number of things. But, you gotta pay a price and you gotta make deposits if you want to have success in this league.”
Multiple players came out of training camp last season noting that it was the most demanding training camp they’ve ever been a part of. Even veterans with 10+ years in the league. It set an early tone for the team and the Bears turned those hard days of work into an 11-win season that included a division title. The message was loud and clear, and the players understood it perfectly.
“I don’t think there’s anyway you can cut corners and expect to win on Sundays,” Johnson added. “Training camp is a big part of that. Our guys understand that. They know what they’re walking into. Our type of guys, they embrace it. They want it.”
Montez Sweat, the team’s top pass rusher, was asked if he’s ready for training camp to start in a couple of weeks and delivered the perfect response that can speak for how the entire roster is likely feeling.
“I’m expecting the worst,” Sweat told reporters on Wednesday. “Yeah. Just be prepared. Hopefully it will be a little bit easier this time since I’ve already been through it, but yeah — live days, hard hitting, long drives, playing preseason games. I’m ready for it.”
New faces got a small taste of Ben Johnson’s intensity
For the new faces in Chicago, they have no idea what to expect outside of the horror stories from those who went through it last summer. At the same time, Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles identified guys with traits that have what it takes to endure what’s to come and help get this team where they want to be.
“I think it’s reflective of both Ben and Ryan and where they’re trying to go and what they envision for this team,” new WR Kalif Raymond explained. “I can’t speak for them, but when you look around at the guys in the locker room, I know why this unit was so tight last year because we got a bunch of grinders out here.”
On the field, the new recruits got a small taste of Johnson’s intensity during OTAs and minicamp, which included some jawing back and forth with the defense or stopping plays immediately if one small detail wasn’t perfectly executed.
“He’s filled with fire, honestly,” new safety Coby Bryant said of Johnson. “He’s an offensive guy too but we have a lot of similarities. That’s why I’m here as well. He’s a true competitor. Every day he competes. He likes us talking junk to him and vice versa. He talks junk to us, too. I’ll match his energy every day and vice versa.”
Dialing up the competition
The real difference about camp, outside of the intensity increasing from the staff, is that competitions are now open for battle. Already, all eyes will be on the left tackle, center, and outside cornerback positions with starting jobs available. And those won’t be the only ones in the spotlight.
“Camp’s really where we’re earning a spot on the 53 and we’ll carve out our roles,” Johnson said on Thursday. “Those are a couple positions that we’ll certainly have our eye on and there’ll be several others where that spot’s up for grabs… I can’t wait for that to start to get ramped up because I think that brings out the best in everybody.”
Last season, some battles (such as the starting left tackle role) lasted well into training camp. This time around, Johnson is hoping some of those battles get decided sooner than later once pads are on and the real work begins.
“Usually, the cream rises to the top once it turns into that,” Johnson added. “Guys will naturally rise, some guys will fall. It won’t take too long.”