The Chicago Bears stole the show during their joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Friday, delivering an impressive (defensive) performance that hinted at big things for the upcoming season. The defense was dominant, and wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus continued to turn heads with another great practice.
Chicago’s defense came out firing, overwhelming Miami’s offense throughout multiple sessions. In two early 11-on-11 drills, the unit looked locked in—forcing multiple turnovers. Safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard each picked off passes from Tua, and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds capped a strong day with a red-zone interception.
Edmunds also impressed with tight coverage, aggressive run defense, and consistent pressure.
Offensively, Olamide Zaccheaus stole the spotlight. Despite one drop, he delivered the play of the day with a 70-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams climbed the pocket and launched a perfect ball down the middle, with Zaccheaus sprinting the final 30(ish) yards into the end zone. His consistency and playmaking are quickly making him a key figure in the Bears deep receiving corps. Caleb Williams had an up-and-down day. He started off rough in 11-on-11s, overthrowing Cole Kmet on the first play, which led to an interception. However, he showed flashes of his talent throughout the practice and helped the offense move the ball at times. Colston Loveland continued to stand out and make plays. While Tua threw three interceptions, Williams looked more in control and had the better overall performance.
There were encouraging injury updates, too. Right tackle Darnell Wright returned after leaving Thursday’s practice early, and cornerback Kyler Gordon worked out individually on the sideline. Defensive tackle Andrew Billings shook off a left ankle scare to rejoin the team.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, looked disjointed and even started fighting among themselves. Chicago stayed focused, physical, and in control throughout. Between the defense’s dominance and the offense showing life at times, this team looks to be a really fun watch in 2025.
