Something was in the air at Halas Hall on Tuesday, August 5th. There was almost a low thrum of energy. Head coach Ben Johnson spoke with the media before a 12:30 p.m. practice, explaining how he wasn’t happy with how the Chicago Bears’ offense performed at Family Fest two days prior. He indicated the upcoming two hours of work would be good and physical. Media members didn’t think much of it. They assumed it would be in line with previous padded practices. Certain drills would feature some live tackling, and that’s it.
Boy, were they mistaken.
What followed was what every reporter on hand would call the most physical practice they’ve seen the Bears hold in several years. Brad Biggs, the longest tenured of them, said it reminded him of the Lovie Smith era. Every drill was live. Players went at each other constantly, often getting into fights.
One would think Johnson would’ve worked to tone things down after practice, telling guys to go easier moving forward. Previous Bears coaches have done that. Not him. Tyrique Stevenson revealed Johnson’s speech to the team after practice wrapped up. The message was unmistakably clear.
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Ben Johnson likely won over everybody with those words.
Think about it. Many coaches today would be careful about encouraging too much physicality in practice. There is the fear of violating rules or risking injuries. Ben Johnson didn’t care. He understands the fundamental reality of football: it’s violent. If you want to win in this league, you must be the tougher, more physical team. The only way to reach that point is by practicing that way. Johnson wanted players to know there is a purpose to all of it. He wants them to be great. By getting them used to the intensity now, they will be better prepared for when the games become real. Every other team will be expecting the same old Bears this season. He fully intends to have them regret making those assumptions. Johnson aims for no less than total domination. He doesn’t just want to win on the scoreboard; he wants to humiliate every team that gets in the way. No wonder players are buying in.
