The Chicago Bears recently wrapped up their inaugural organized team activities session at Halas Hall, featuring three practice days that introduced players to the new regime of first-year head coach Ben Johnson.
Wednesday’s practice, which welcomed media coverage, included press conferences with Johnson and four players. Before the Bears head back for another set of OTAs next week, here are five key takeaways.
1. Johnson’s Intensity is Palpable
As he has made a name for himself over the last three years as a play-calling genius with the Detroit Lions, Johnson’s competitive spirit is unmistakable. Players across the board are acknowledging this and adjusting accordingly.
“You want a coach with that kind of fire,” linebacker Tremaine Edmunds remarked. “His energy is infectious. He’s passionate about winning, and I can definitely feel that energy from him.”
His eagerness is evident in how he addresses players regarding mistakes, showing clear expectations. When questioned about his noticeable agitation during Wednesday’s practice, Johnson quipped, “Did you see agitation? I thought that was a regular occurrence. I’ll work on my body language. That’s something I’m discussing with the players, so I need to improve.”
2. Caleb Williams Remains Silent
Caleb Williams was absent from media duties this week and is not anticipated to engage with reporters during the upcoming OTAs. While this may seem unremarkable, recent excerpts from an upcoming biography have stirred conversations regarding his reluctance to join the Bears, warranting a bit of damage control.
Johnson proactively addressed the situation during his remarks: “It’s come to my attention that the quarterback has been in the media lately. To clarify, I wasn’t here last year, so I can’t comment on that. However, from my four months with him, he’s been fantastic, and we’re all about getting better every day.”
3. The Tush Push Debate Continues
A proposal led by the Green Bay Packers to ban the short-yardage tactic made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles was narrowly defeated at the NFL’s spring meetings. While many teams voted against the ban due to safety concerns, enough opposed it to keep the play intact for now.
Bears Chairman George McCaskey expressed worries about the play’s dangers, yet there has been pushback within the organization. Johnson stated his distaste for the play, emphasizing a preference for explosive plays, while defensive tackle Grady Jarrett downplayed injury concerns surrounding it.
4. Watch for Year Two Progress from Rome Odunze
Rome Odunze, who had an impressive rookie season, is already attracting attention from his coaches. Johnson highlighted Odunze’s professionalism and consistency, noting that he will likely see significant growth not just in the offseason but also during training camp.
Odunze is focused on refining all aspects of his game, looking to bolster his contribution to a promising offense. “I’m honing in on various tasks, including blocking and route running. I want to excel in every area relevant to my position,” he stated.
5. Opportunity for NFL Players in Olympic Flag Football
As preparations for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles progress, NFL teams have initiated the possibility for players to participate in Olympic flag football. The league is motivated by a desire to expand the sport globally, and many players have shown enthusiasm for this opportunity.
Bears safety Kevin Byard joked about the potential involvement, noting that he has many summer responsibilities now. He acknowledged the incredible opportunity it would represent for those selected, even highlighting teammate Caleb Williams as a potential star quarterback for the flag football team.
Overall, the Bears are moving through the offseason with much anticipation, focusing on building chemistry and setting standards for success moving forward.
