Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said on Tuesday, the first day of training camp, that the “governor’s off” with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. On Wednesday, the Bears’ first practice of this year’s training camp, Johnson proved it.
Williams and the first team offense had what can only be described as an underwhelming day.
Without knowing specifically what they were looking to accomplish, even a layman could tell that something was not right.
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Johnson pulled the group after multiple pre-snap issues and began the 11-on-11 session with an interception from Williams to linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said he anticipates Edmunds will be an “exceptional playmaker for them.”
Still, tight end Cole Kmet noted that there were issues with things they should know well.
Kmet also joked that he could not repeat some of the words Johnson used following the breakdowns.
Kmet was one of the first to receive a veritable tongue-lashing from Johnson during the Bears’ offseason program. Then, Johnson did just as he did on Wednesday, resetting the first team before ultimately pulling the plug in favor of the other units.
There was no going right back to the starters, either.
Williams and Co. had to wait until the next set of team drills to try working through their miscues, and even then, there was nothing remarkable about the session.
Johnson said he did not expect linear development, and Allen said he wants his guys to focus on the process over the results. Kmet noted that the Bears are much further along during this second install period than they were during the first in the spring.
However, all of those sentiments can only carry them so far.
It will only be “early” for the first week, maybe two. Non-linear progress is fine, so long as there is progress. And the results should soon show, that is, if the Bears truly are further along now.
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The Bears had starting left tackle Braxton Jones back on the field. He worked with the 1s when against air (7-on-7s) but was replaced by rookie second-rounder Ozzy Trapilo in 11-on-11s.
Rookie first-round pick Colston Loveland got on the field to do drills for the first time, too.
It was not all good news for the Bears, though. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was a no-show, as expected, as he makes his multi-week return effort from an undisclosed leg injury, per his head coach.
Allen showed little concern regarding Johnson’s absence, but the Pro Bowl defender was not alone.
Rookie second-round pick Luther Burden III was absent.
He has not been on the field since rookie mincamp in May. Johnson, who acknowledged Burden has missed “a lot,” is scheduled to speak on Thursday and will likely face questions about the No. 39 overall pick’s absence.
Rookie fifth-round corner Zah Frazier was not in attendance on Wednesday, and he was in and out during the Bears’ offseason program.
Second-year running back Ian Wheeler did not participate on the field in the first practice, either.
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The entire defense could be mentioned, especially Edmunds, given how out of sorts the offense looked at times. However, it was also a good day for the Bears’ backup receivers.
Two in particular, rookie undrafted free agents Jahdae Walker and JP Richardson, both made plays in training camp or showed why the Bears brought them in. Their ceiling is likely on the practice squad, but both should be training camp darlings.
Veteran tight end Durham Smythe has been a bit of a mystery.
He is one of the few newcomers who have yet to meet the media and someone dealing with two players who figure more prominently into the Bears’ future plans (Kmet and Loveland) than he does.
Still, Smythe is 6-foot-6, and his strengths as a blocker overshadow his ability as a receiving threat.
Defensively, keep an eye on rookie UDFA LB Power Echols.
He did not particularly stand out in the first practice. Still, starter T.J. Edwards name-dropped Echols when asked for early impressions of rookie fourth-rounder Ruben Hyppolite II after Wednesday’s practice.