Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has made his presence felt at training camp, pulling the starting offense off the field during a drill and emphasizing the importance of attention to detail. Tight end Cole Kmet said that Johnson’s approach is par for the course, as he yells at the offense to re-huddle up when things aren’t right.
The first-team offense was replaced by the backups after a series of miscues, with Johnson stressing that players must be on the details and accountable. Quarterback Caleb Williams connected with Kmet on several plays, but also had to gather the offense in the huddle twice due to alignment issues.
Defense coach Dennis Allen also emphasized the need for attention to detail, saying “No detail goes unnoticed.” Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds intercepted a pass on the first play of team drills, and Allen praised Williams’ exceptional abilities, citing his size, range, and speed.
The defense has undergone some changes, with Nahshon Wright starting at cornerback opposite Tyrique Stevenson. Wright, who was signed in April, had experience in that spot during OTAs and minicamp, but Allen emphasized that players will move around and receive reps.
Allen also discussed the importance of conditioning and mental toughness during training camp, saying “You have to pay the toll” and that it’s all part of building the team’s culture. The coaching staff plans to work on cross-training defensive players to increase flexibility and prepare for potential injuries.
Key takeaways from the first day of training camp include:
* Coach Ben Johnson emphasizes attention to detail
* Quarterback Caleb Williams showed flashes of brilliance, but also had issues with alignment
* Defense coach Dennis Allen praises Tremaine Edmunds’ exceptional abilities
* Nahshon Wright starts at cornerback opposite Tyrique Stevenson
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6511260/2025/07/23/bears-training-camp-observations-ben-johnson