The Chicago Bears knew they didn’t have a lot of money to throw around when free agency began in March. That meant general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson had to be smart with their approach. The strategy they went with was fairly simple: more speed and intensity. That is why safety Coby Bryant became their primary target on the veteran market. He was coming off a Super Bowl victory and was known as one of the core leaders of that excellent Seattle Seahawks defense.
While losing Kevin Byard was tough, the Bears felt they got younger, faster, and more versatile with Bryant. Just a month into training camp preparation, it sounds like the safety is making his presence felt. Johnson pointed it out during his recent press conference. For all the talk about Bryant’s exploits in games, the Bears are finding out that he is every bit as intense on the practice field. There is no going half-speed. He’s full throttle on every rep and doesn’t mind pushing teammates to match his energy.
Coby Bryant is fueling this by engaging with the team’s leader.
Caleb Williams has become the unquestioned focal point of this Bears squad. He earned that right after his breakout season last year, leading seven 4th quarter comebacks and setting the franchise record with 3,941 passing yards. One of the things he’s most proud of is his ability to protect the football. Williams does not like throwing interceptions. So you can imagine how he reacted when Bryant cut in front of Jahdae Walker for one during practice to snuff out a two-minute drill.
It was a picture-perfect play. The safety read it well, stayed patient, and broke to the ball right as Williams was turning Walker’s way. Bryant admitted the quarterback wasn’t happy about it. That suited the safety just fine. He admitted during an interview after practice that Williams is an elite competitor. It’s easy to understand why he had so much success in clutch situations last year. Getting to be part of that is exciting for him. Yet the real thrill is going against Williams in practice.
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Bryant is bringing what Johnson wanted.
Every great team needs a veteran presence who isn’t afraid to challenge everybody. You find one on almost every championship team across history. You had Ben Zobrist on the 2016 Cubs. Marian Hossa helped guide the dynasty Blackhawks. A.J. Pierzynski was the unquestioned voice of the 2005 White Sox. Coach Johnson felt this Bears team needed somebody like that. They don’t have to be a superstar. It is more about being a good player with great work habits who challenges everybody to match his intensity.
That is Coby Bryant. Word is the Seahawks really wanted him back, knowing what he meant to their locker room. The money just wasn’t there. Chicago took full advantage. He may not be a hot ticket pass rusher or a cover corner, but the man knows how to impact games. If the Bears want to learn how to win big games, it starts on the practice field. That is something Johnson has been harping on since he arrived. Now they have a player who speaks the same language.
