Bears WR: Ben Johnson’s Practices are “Uncomfortable”
Through the first week of Training Camp, the Chicago Bears have been making national headlines.
Most of the interest is in Caleb Williams and his performance, and the first team offense getting pulled out of a 7v7 drill.
Those reports result in the incredibly drastic overreaction sports media takes, like this from Dan Orlovsky:
Don’t pay any attention to this kind of dialogue – regardless of whether it’s from the national or local sports media. Caleb Williams throwing interceptions in practice doesn’t matter. At all. In fact, it’s a good thing! Practice is where you are supposed to fail. If you are not practicing aggressively, trying new things, and pushing your own boundaries both individually and as a team – YOU ARE NOT PRACTICING CORRECTLY.
However, what is crucial to that failure translating into growth is accountability from both your coaches and teammates.
Ben Johnson has preached how important the culture of accountability is, and it’s already been made clear that is exactly what he is building at Halas Hall.
He was asked about Ben Johnson and how these practices are different from years past:
Q: New regime here in town for you. Change of scenery with the crew in here. How has it felt so far through the early portion of training camp with Ben Johnson?
A: Uncomfortable. It’s been the main thing. Just them trying to change the culture around here, and they’ve done it fast. And you can tell how we practice and go about our business.
Q: What about it has changed so much, in terms of how you practice? What is the thing that jumps out to you right away?
A: The intensity. If you mess up, you’re getting out of there. You get one chance. If you’re a double-offender, then you’re not going to be in on that play for the rest of camp, it feels like.
Throughout the tenure of Matt Eberflus, the preaching of accountability and acronyms like HITS became exhausting, given the results never showed themselves in practice, let alone the regular season.
Players should be uncomfortable. They should feel the pressure to earn every snap they possibly can. Ben Johnson and the Bears coaching staff should be figuring out everything they can and cannot do so when the regular season comes – they are prepared.
Only time will tell if this kind of culture change will translate into success, but it’s a good start.
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