WATCH: Ben Johson recaps Bears' performance at Family Fest

Tony Crumpton · Senior Editor · 3 hours ago

Head coach Ben Johnson addresses the media after the Bears' Family Fest practice at Soldier Field Sunday.

Video summary/cliff notes:

(00:00–00:36) Johnson says it was great to be at Family Fest with amazing weather and loud fans. Treated the event like a “preseason zero game” by staying downtown the night before. Hoped it would help young players get comfortable with game-day routines.

(00:36–01:20) Practice started sloppy despite strong previous sessions. Took a while to get going, but competition picked up toward the end. Delay-of-game penalties showed up more than in practice and must be fixed to win games.

(01:45–02:28) Stresses avoiding repeat mistakes. Notes players are full of information now, but with installs slowing, execution should improve. RB Manungi went the wrong way on a play but still ran hard and played physically, as did other backs.

(02:45–03:26) Thinks Manungi is a “pads-on” type player who’ll be trustworthy this fall. Offense’s goal in backed-up situations is two first downs, so giving up a safety was inexcusable. Defense dominated that drill.

(03:57–04:25) Sees all practices as learning opportunities, even if sloppy. Joint practices will be important to truly evaluate the team. Wants to see balanced days where offense and defense trade successes.

(04:25–05:03) Praises DE Montez Sweat for his consistency, work ethic, and vocal leadership, even though his play isn’t drastically different from last year.

(05:03–05:36) JP has stood out in camp, bouncing back well after down days. Says the roster is prideful and resilient, with few players having consecutive bad practices.

(05:54–06:26) Most trusted pass-catchers so far: TE Cole Kmet, WR DJ Moore, rookie WR Rome Odunze, and WR Olamide Zaccheaus. Rookies are still learning and earning trust.

(06:26–06:48) Compliments execution on a play-action pass to Kmet, where QB Caleb Williams faced pressure but still completed it cleanly.