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Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson wants to see his team perform better in the waning minutes before halftime.
Last season quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense sometimes resembled magicians in the fourth quarter, but they had less success with situational football in the second quarter.
“It’s a huge point of emphasis for us,” Johnson said.
That was apparent Friday at Halas Hall, where the Bears held their third practice of training camp and their first with fans in the stands. Here’s what stood out.
Photos: Inside Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall
The Bears’ seven fourth-quarter comebacks last season were remarkable. But the end of the second quarter is a critical stretch, and Johnson knows his team can be better.
The Bears outscored their opponents in every quarter except the second in 2025. They scored just 93 points (5.47 per game) in the quarter while allowing 143 (8.41 per game).
“We talked about that as a team (Thursday) night, and (Friday was) our first chance to work that situation at two-minute before halftime,” Johnson said. “I’ve said it for a year and a half now: Anytime you put emphasis on something, you normally see good things happen because of it.”
Johnson put his offense in a tie game with 1:37 to go before halftime. Williams led the starters 61 yards, capping the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Colston Loveland.
Running back D’Andre Swift converted on third-and-3 at the 43-yard line with a run up the middle. The offense also overcame a sack when the pocket collapsed around Williams. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. appeared to be the nearest defender on the sack. Two offside penalties against the defense also helped.
For a team that was so good at situational football in the fourth quarter, the disparity between the first and second halves was puzzling.
“Our guys understand how important that is,” Johnson said. “It’s a way for us to possibly steal a possession through the course of the game if we handle the before-half procedure correctly. And of course we want some more momentum going into halftime as well than what we did.”
Friday featured a revolving door at left tackle. Kiran Amegadjie saw the most action with the starters, but Jedrick Wills Jr. also worked in. After spending the first two days with the starters, Braxton Jones mostly worked with the second- and third-team offenses.
Much like he did last year, Johnson wants to look at all options. Jones could be the favorite to win the job, but he’s certainly not a lock.
Jones said the rotation can be a challenge at times.
“I assumed that it would be like that,” he said. “It is a competition at the end of the day. Regardless of that, wherever we’re put — ones, twos, threes — you’ve got to go perform and do your thing.”
Amegadjie, a 2024 third-round draft pick who has started one game in his career, played with the first-team offense during the two-minute drill.
Talk about an eventful 12 months for D’Marco Jackson.
The linebacker was trying to survive a coaching change and cling to the edge of the New Orleans Saints roster at this time last summer. He wound up being waived, and the Bears claimed him in part because defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had worked with Jackson in New Orleans but more because of his special teams production.
Jackson fit in immediately on special teams, and when injuries struck, he wound up starting four games at linebacker, including a 15-tackle effort against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had an interception and a sack in the victory over the Cleveland Browns.
When free agency arrived, Jackson got a two-year, $7.5 million contract from the Bears. He wore the green dot on his helmet Friday as the linebacker communicating the calls to the huddle.
How things play out remains to be seen. Devin Bush is a definite starter. T.J. Edwards remains on the non-football injury list with what the team has called a minor right calf injury, and his absence is creating more reps for Jackson and others. So far, Jack Sanborn has played mostly in base situations on the strong side. Jackson might get a look there, too, after Edwards is healthy.
There’s no question Johnson appreciates what Jackson added last year after not seeing much time on defense with the Saints.
“There’s guys like that every year that you really don’t know a whole lot about and they end up helping you win ballgames,” Johnson said. “Certainly he did in a critical stretch of the season a year ago. (Allen) knew him, he knew the scheme, he knew the defense, so he was able to hit the ground running from that regard.
“He was a vital part of what we were doing on special teams as well. It didn’t take long to see how he was in the building, how he communicated with his teammates, to know that he was going to be a great fit for who we are and what we do.
“And he’s got a little attitude to him. I love his demeanor, his approach. He’s a Carolina boy, too, so (we’ve) got that shared bond. But I can’t say enough good things about D’Marco.”
A day after declaring that his foot feels “great,” Rome Odunze made a nifty catch in a team session early in practice. Odunze extended both arms over his head and caught a pass over the middle from Williams.
In addition to the end-of-half scenario, the Bears focused on the red zone. During a full-team session, Williams connected with Loveland for a touchdown. So far, Loveland has continued to look like a matchup problem for the defense, as he did late last season.
“He’s got a lot of versatility,” Jackson said. “He’s a good route runner, he’s loose. He’s really good at the catch point, his radius. He’s a good all-around player, and I feel like he’s going to be a challenge in camp.”
In a 7-on-7 red-zone session, cornerback Jaylon Johnson intercepted a pass from Williams in the end zone. Williams was again targeting Loveland on a short pass near the hashmarks when Johnson jumped the route.
The second-team offense’s end-of-half scenario was hampered by a pass-interference penalty against rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent couldn’t connect with wide receiver Scotty Miller on third-and-10 near midfield, and the possession ended with what would’ve been a punt.
Liam Coen isn’t the only NFL coach who can find material to sell to his players as a sign they’re being slighted.
“Well, we’re the No. 1 regression candidate, so we’ve got plenty of motivation ourselves,” Ben Johnson said Friday.
Johnson is well aware that some are skeptical about the Bears’ 2026 prospects, based on their high number of narrow wins as they went 11-6 a year ago.
Some backstory is required here. Coen, the Jacksonville Jaguars coach, name-dropped Williams earlier this week on a Jacksonville sports radio station. Maybe it was a subtle dig at the attention Williams has garnered, but it was probably more to make the point that his team — which went 13-4 last season — isn’t getting any national headlines.
“This is the best part of coaching the Jacksonville Jaguars: You don’t have to make up (bulletin-board material),” Coen said on the air on WJXL. “You don’t have to make up the fire. It’s given to us every day. It’s a gift from the heavens.
“I just go pull out my phone, look up the NFL Network website and just pop it up here, and I’m curious if I see any photos, or anything, about the Jacksonville Jaguars. I think I’ll just scroll right on through.”
Coen pulled out his phone and scrolled the website during the live spot.
“I think I’ll see 40 pictures of Caleb Williams and I won’t see a single thing about any (Jaguars) players on here,” he said. “So it’s beautiful. I’m going to tell these guys how much you all think they suck, and we’ll keep going.”
Coen’s remarks caught Williams’ attention on social media, and the Bears quarterback loves adding to a list of folks who doubted him.
“He’s used to handling a lot of attention, so I’m not worried about that,” Johnson said.
The Bears and Jaguars will meet Dec. 6 at Soldier Field, so there will be plenty of time for new slights, whether perceived or real.
Running back Kyle Monangai missed his second consecutive day of practice.
Seven players remain on the non-football injury or physically unable to perform lists: cornerback Kyler Gordon (calf), safety Elijah Hicks (shin), linebackers Edwards (calf), Keyshaun Elliott (back) and Noah Sewell (Achilles tendon), defensive end Shemar Turner (knee) and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (knee).
Continue reading...
Last season quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense sometimes resembled magicians in the fourth quarter, but they had less success with situational football in the second quarter.
“It’s a huge point of emphasis for us,” Johnson said.
That was apparent Friday at Halas Hall, where the Bears held their third practice of training camp and their first with fans in the stands. Here’s what stood out.
Photos: Inside Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall
Caleb Williams watch
The Bears’ seven fourth-quarter comebacks last season were remarkable. But the end of the second quarter is a critical stretch, and Johnson knows his team can be better.
The Bears outscored their opponents in every quarter except the second in 2025. They scored just 93 points (5.47 per game) in the quarter while allowing 143 (8.41 per game).
“We talked about that as a team (Thursday) night, and (Friday was) our first chance to work that situation at two-minute before halftime,” Johnson said. “I’ve said it for a year and a half now: Anytime you put emphasis on something, you normally see good things happen because of it.”
Johnson put his offense in a tie game with 1:37 to go before halftime. Williams led the starters 61 yards, capping the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Colston Loveland.
Running back D’Andre Swift converted on third-and-3 at the 43-yard line with a run up the middle. The offense also overcame a sack when the pocket collapsed around Williams. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. appeared to be the nearest defender on the sack. Two offside penalties against the defense also helped.
For a team that was so good at situational football in the fourth quarter, the disparity between the first and second halves was puzzling.
“Our guys understand how important that is,” Johnson said. “It’s a way for us to possibly steal a possession through the course of the game if we handle the before-half procedure correctly. And of course we want some more momentum going into halftime as well than what we did.”
News of the day
Friday featured a revolving door at left tackle. Kiran Amegadjie saw the most action with the starters, but Jedrick Wills Jr. also worked in. After spending the first two days with the starters, Braxton Jones mostly worked with the second- and third-team offenses.
Much like he did last year, Johnson wants to look at all options. Jones could be the favorite to win the job, but he’s certainly not a lock.
Jones said the rotation can be a challenge at times.
“I assumed that it would be like that,” he said. “It is a competition at the end of the day. Regardless of that, wherever we’re put — ones, twos, threes — you’ve got to go perform and do your thing.”
Amegadjie, a 2024 third-round draft pick who has started one game in his career, played with the first-team offense during the two-minute drill.
Player in the spotlight: D’Marco Jackson
Talk about an eventful 12 months for D’Marco Jackson.
The linebacker was trying to survive a coaching change and cling to the edge of the New Orleans Saints roster at this time last summer. He wound up being waived, and the Bears claimed him in part because defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had worked with Jackson in New Orleans but more because of his special teams production.
Jackson fit in immediately on special teams, and when injuries struck, he wound up starting four games at linebacker, including a 15-tackle effort against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had an interception and a sack in the victory over the Cleveland Browns.
When free agency arrived, Jackson got a two-year, $7.5 million contract from the Bears. He wore the green dot on his helmet Friday as the linebacker communicating the calls to the huddle.
How things play out remains to be seen. Devin Bush is a definite starter. T.J. Edwards remains on the non-football injury list with what the team has called a minor right calf injury, and his absence is creating more reps for Jackson and others. So far, Jack Sanborn has played mostly in base situations on the strong side. Jackson might get a look there, too, after Edwards is healthy.
There’s no question Johnson appreciates what Jackson added last year after not seeing much time on defense with the Saints.
“There’s guys like that every year that you really don’t know a whole lot about and they end up helping you win ballgames,” Johnson said. “Certainly he did in a critical stretch of the season a year ago. (Allen) knew him, he knew the scheme, he knew the defense, so he was able to hit the ground running from that regard.
“He was a vital part of what we were doing on special teams as well. It didn’t take long to see how he was in the building, how he communicated with his teammates, to know that he was going to be a great fit for who we are and what we do.
“And he’s got a little attitude to him. I love his demeanor, his approach. He’s a Carolina boy, too, so (we’ve) got that shared bond. But I can’t say enough good things about D’Marco.”
Seen and heard
A day after declaring that his foot feels “great,” Rome Odunze made a nifty catch in a team session early in practice. Odunze extended both arms over his head and caught a pass over the middle from Williams.
In addition to the end-of-half scenario, the Bears focused on the red zone. During a full-team session, Williams connected with Loveland for a touchdown. So far, Loveland has continued to look like a matchup problem for the defense, as he did late last season.
“He’s got a lot of versatility,” Jackson said. “He’s a good route runner, he’s loose. He’s really good at the catch point, his radius. He’s a good all-around player, and I feel like he’s going to be a challenge in camp.”
In a 7-on-7 red-zone session, cornerback Jaylon Johnson intercepted a pass from Williams in the end zone. Williams was again targeting Loveland on a short pass near the hashmarks when Johnson jumped the route.
The second-team offense’s end-of-half scenario was hampered by a pass-interference penalty against rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent couldn’t connect with wide receiver Scotty Miller on third-and-10 near midfield, and the possession ended with what would’ve been a punt.
Quote of note
Liam Coen isn’t the only NFL coach who can find material to sell to his players as a sign they’re being slighted.
“Well, we’re the No. 1 regression candidate, so we’ve got plenty of motivation ourselves,” Ben Johnson said Friday.
Johnson is well aware that some are skeptical about the Bears’ 2026 prospects, based on their high number of narrow wins as they went 11-6 a year ago.
Some backstory is required here. Coen, the Jacksonville Jaguars coach, name-dropped Williams earlier this week on a Jacksonville sports radio station. Maybe it was a subtle dig at the attention Williams has garnered, but it was probably more to make the point that his team — which went 13-4 last season — isn’t getting any national headlines.
“This is the best part of coaching the Jacksonville Jaguars: You don’t have to make up (bulletin-board material),” Coen said on the air on WJXL. “You don’t have to make up the fire. It’s given to us every day. It’s a gift from the heavens.
“I just go pull out my phone, look up the NFL Network website and just pop it up here, and I’m curious if I see any photos, or anything, about the Jacksonville Jaguars. I think I’ll just scroll right on through.”
Coen pulled out his phone and scrolled the website during the live spot.
“I think I’ll see 40 pictures of Caleb Williams and I won’t see a single thing about any (Jaguars) players on here,” he said. “So it’s beautiful. I’m going to tell these guys how much you all think they suck, and we’ll keep going.”
Coen’s remarks caught Williams’ attention on social media, and the Bears quarterback loves adding to a list of folks who doubted him.
“He’s used to handling a lot of attention, so I’m not worried about that,” Johnson said.
The Bears and Jaguars will meet Dec. 6 at Soldier Field, so there will be plenty of time for new slights, whether perceived or real.
Injuries and participation
Running back Kyle Monangai missed his second consecutive day of practice.
Seven players remain on the non-football injury or physically unable to perform lists: cornerback Kyler Gordon (calf), safety Elijah Hicks (shin), linebackers Edwards (calf), Keyshaun Elliott (back) and Noah Sewell (Achilles tendon), defensive end Shemar Turner (knee) and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (knee).
Continue reading...
