Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has set the tone for the team’s spring practice by emphasizing the importance of toughness and resilience. Johnson, who is known for his high-energy approach, wants to create a “palms-up” culture where players are not afraid to face adversity and bounce back quickly from setbacks.
Johnson showed quarterback Caleb Williams clips from last season that could have been better handled in the face of pressure, highlighting the need for growth and improvement. The coach also encouraged defensive end Montez Sweat to use his disappointing 2023 season as motivation to perform better this year.
New quarterback Case Keenum, who joined the team via free agency, brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the QBs room. Johnson praised Keenum’s work ethic and ability to learn quickly, saying he has “skins on the wall” and can help Williams improve his game.
The Bears will host two joint preseason practices with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills before the start of training camp. Johnson plans to use these sessions to simulate the intensity of a regular-season game, allowing players to test their skills in a controlled environment.
With Johnson’s emphasis on toughness and resilience, the Bears are poised to take a step forward this season. The team is looking strong on both sides of the ball, with key additions through free agency and the draft. As spring practice comes to a close, the focus shifts to training camp, where the team will put its new systems and strategies to the test.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6389131/2025/05/29/bears-otas-ben-johnson-caleb-williams