Ben Johnson rips Bears' practice, says team not championship-caliber after 52-21 loss
Bears coach demands better fundamentals as Chicago faces Dallas after a heavy defeat to Detroit
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson blasted his team's practice habits after a 52-21 loss to the Detroit Lions, saying the Bears are not championship-caliber.
Johnson outlined several areas where practice habits have fallen short, saying the team must go to the football, finish plays and show fundamentals in walk-throughs and on the practice field because that's how it shows up on game day. He cited specific areas: how to properly block, how to catch the ball, how to block after the catch and ball security; he added that the little things learned in youth league football can make a huge difference at this level.
Chicago has allowed 73 points over the past five quarters. In Week 1, the Bears led the Minnesota Vikings entering the fourth quarter before Minnesota rallied for a 27-24 win.
Chicago's schedule won't lighten up soon. The Bears host the Dallas Cowboys, who came off a 40-37 overtime victory over the New York Giants after a loss to the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Beyond immediate results, the Bears' long-term plan hinges on quarterback Caleb Williams, the 2024 first-overall pick, and Johnson's staff to deliver a sustained turnaround.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
