The Bears held their 14th training camp practice Monday at Halas Hall, working out in shells in a session that was open to the media.
Only about one-third of the roster practiced, a group that consisted of starters who did not suit up in Sunday's preseason opener versus the Dolphins and others who saw limited action.
Standing out
On the Dolphins' first possession Sunday, third-year linebacker Noah Sewell forced a fumble that bounced out of bounds. A few plays later, he teamed with rookie linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II to drop running back Jaylen Wright for a three-yard loss on fourth-and-goal from the 1, turning the ball over on downs.
"There were quite a few opportunities on that drive to help the defense get off [the field]," Sewell said, "but when it came down to that goal line, that opportunity popped up and I just had to maximize that."
Quality work
Quarterback Caleb Williams did not play in the preseason opener, but he participated in last Friday's joint practice with Miami at Halas Hall.
"In the joint practice, he did a good job of being competitive," offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said Monday. "He's continuing to evolve as a processor and things like that, dealing with a pretty large variety of defenses.
"[The Dolphins are] kind of stemmed from that Baltimore tree, and that's one that provides a lot of different looks—different than what he gets from our defense all the time. That was really good to get to see him go out and process that."
Williams also worked out with fellow starters early Sunday morning at Soldier Field several hours before the game began.
"That was really good just because a lot of times those guys [who are not playing] go to the game and they're kind of just hanging out," Doyle said. "They were able to get a lot of quality work in, a lot of quality reps, just working through that mental side of the game as well as the physical part with some of the route details and things that we're coaching up."
No shortcuts
It's evident to all those involved that learning a new offense is not an overnight process.
"We're all being reminded of that every day," Doyle said. "That's upholding the standard that there are no shortcuts. Everything we do matters. Every single detail matters. We try to use those as teaching moments with all of our players."
Doyle gave an example of a backside receiver who is loafing on a screen pass to the front side of the formation.
"If he hauls and blocks the safety, this is going to be a touchdown," he said. "It's this little thing that he may not see as very important, but we're trying to get them all to understand every single thing we do every day is critical to the operation."
Moore certainly appreciates Johnson's attention to detail.
"It's going to get us where we want to go," Moore said. "What's hard about it is that you've really got to be in your playbook and know every last detail of that playbook like he [does]. If not, you're going to get either the evil eye or get yelled at to get in the right spot. I try to stay away from that."
Downhill runner
Doyle has been impressed with rookie running back Kyle Monangai. In the preseason opener, the seventh-round pick from Rutgers led the Bears in rushing with 30 yards on six carries.
"I really enjoyed watching Kyle play," Doyle said. "You watch a physical guy that's willing [to run] downhill. There are some shots on tape of him trying to block downfield and playing with a lot of effort. When you watch a guy like that, it's fun because you look at him and you're like, 'That's what we want our organization to represent,' a guy that's tough, hard-nosed, he's willing to stick his face in the fan and he's going to fight."
Brotherly love
Sewell was asked what his brother, Lions All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell, told him about Johnson, who was hired by the Bears after a highly successful stint as Detroit's offensive coordinator.
"Penei didn't really give me anything," Noah said. "He was a little salty that his coach was coming over here, and I was like, 'Hey, best for us, ready to roll.'"
