The Chicago Bears wanted joint practices this month. Head coach Ben Johnson believes they are far more valuable to preparing players for a season than preseason games. Their first opponent would be the Miami Dolphins. It represented a big opportunity for this young team. Miami has made the playoffs two of the past three seasons. They boast lots of athletic talent coupled with capable coaching. Joint practices offered an ideal way to see how the team is progressing in its preparation. What happened instead was a personal showcase for Jaquan Brisker and the Bears defense.
It had already been known that the safety was having a great camp. Brisker arrived at Halas Hall with a purpose after missing most of last season with a concussion. Not being able to play and the lingering concerns about a contract extension seem to have fueled his fire. He decided to take it out on the Dolphins’ offense, and the rest of the defense followed his lead. They bullied Miami for almost the entire practice, picking Tua Tagovailoa off three times while forcing several other miscues.
It was a massacre.
Jaquan Brisker has become a tone-setter for this team.
People wondered who would be the unmistakable leadership voice for the Bears’ defense. While T.J. Edwards and Jaylon Johnson feel like viable contenders, it is difficult to argue that Jaquan Brisker has emerged as the unit’s beating heart. His energy, intelligence, and violent disposition stand out whenever he steps on the field, and teammates feed off it. He was dearly missed last season. The Bears’ defense never quite had the same energy after Brisker went down. Now that he’s back, it is like they got a triple dose of espresso. The intensity and energy are through the room. Miami found out the hard way what playing against that can be like. If Brisker can put together a full season, he has a major payday coming his way.
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