Joe Burrow Had A Brutal Time Vs. Bears Defense In Joint Practice

The Chicago Bears got a precious opportunity to practice against a proven AFC contender on Thursday when the Cincinnati Bengals came to town. Star quarterback Joe Burrow led them. It represented a perfect opportunity for the Bears defense to see where they stand. A heavy dose of rain complicated festivities. The two teams could've moved inside the Walter Payton Center, but that likely would've forced them to extend the practice by too much time. So, they opted to deal with the weather.

Burrow probably wishes they hadn't. According to multiple reports, the quarterback had a miserable time throwing the ball against the Bears' secondary. Jay Morrison, who covers the Bengals for Pro Football Network, claims the Pro Bowler was picked off no less than three times.

"There is no database for official confirmation, but it’s doubtful Joe Burrow had ever thrown three interceptions in practice before, as he did today...

...In a practice heavy on 11-and-11 work — and rain — Burrow was 15-for-32 with three interceptions. Two of his passes were battled down at the line of scrimmage."

It was almost a lot worse. Adam Jahns of The Athletic claims Jaylon Johnson and Tremaine Edmunds nearly had interceptions of their own. They were on top of everything Cincinnati tried.

Joe Burrow struggling gives Caleb Williams some validation.

People had been on the rookie quarterback for not finding more consistency in training camp on the offensive side. As it turns out, the Bears defense might be exactly as daunting as many claim. Their secondary might have a case for being the best in the NFL. Johnson is a star. Tyrique Stevenson and Kyler Gordon are becoming quality starters. Kevin Byard is still a dangerous ballhawk. Jaquan Brisker is a versatile weapon. That is before discussing depth options like Terell Smith, Josh Blackwell, and Jaylon Jones. Throw in Montez Sweat up front and an athletic group of linebackers, and you start to see the problem.

People will argue Joe Burrow didn't have star receiver Ja'Marr Chase available. He's still awaiting a new contract. Truth be told, it probably wouldn't have made much of a difference. The Bears defense has corraled D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen for the past two weeks. Chase wouldn't have scared them much. Facts are facts. They smothered Cincinnati's quarterback. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus deserve credit for putting together something that could be special this year.