Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson highlights the one test he’s looking forward to facing against Miami Dolphins in Friday’s joint practice
It’ll be an interesting test for both sides of the ball.
The Chicago Bears have two practices remaining, including Tuesday, before the Miami Dolphins come to town for the first joint practice the team will host this offseason.
Joint practices are always a big test for teams to face off against one another and not having to go up against the same offense/defense they’ve faced for weeks.
In the Chicago Bears’ case, head coach Ben Johnson is excited to see how his team responds against another opponent, especially on the offense, which continues to have inconsistent days against Dennis Allen’s aggressive defense.
Looking at the team coming to town, head coach Mike McDaniel’s squad as always been known for one thing on both sides of the ball: Speed. And that speed is something Johnson is eager to use as a head-to-head test for his squad later this week.
“It will be good for us to see that speed and just a little bit different style of offense and defense,” Johnson explained while speaking with reporters ahead of Tuesday’s practice.
Just looking at Miami’s offense, the speed level jumps off the chart. I mean this team has some of the fastest players in the entire league.
Offensive players such as Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane, and Jaylen Wright will seriously test the Bears’ secondary and linebackers. While on defense, Miami has some wicked speed on the defensive front as well with guys like Chop Robinson coming off the edge and Minkah Fitzpatrick in the secondary.
The players in the Bears locker room are ready for the challenge and excited to get “chippy” against some other players for the first time.
“[Joint practices] can be intense,” defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo explained. “You’re kind of defending your home turf, especially in this situation. Everybody is excited to get to go against someone else and someone you’re not trying to look out for because it’s not your teammate.”
While the intensity is going to be high, it’s also going to be a controlled environment, allowing both coaches to really work on specific areas with their team. After Friday’s practice, the Bears and Dolphins will then face off again in a preseason game on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Ben Johnson noted it’s still to be determined whether or not quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the starters will play on Sunday and that conversations will be had with his staff and McDaniel on Wednesday before making his final decision.
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