The Chicago Bears have an important training camp coming up. For the first time in years, it feels like they have a well-rounded team from top to bottom. Despite their 5-12 record last season, it felt like they were a few breaks away from posting their first winning record since 2018. Another influx of young talent, combined with what looks like a significant upgrade of the coaching staff, has positioned them to take a serious crack at the NFC North. The first step is proving they can hang with some of the best.
This is where their joint practices in August become so crucial. Thanks to a fortunate alignment of schedules, they plan to practice against the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins during the preseason. Those are two of the better teams in the AFC. Some of the matchups in those drills will go a long way to determine whether the Bears are truly ready or not.
Chicago Bears defensive ends vs. Buffalo offensive tackles
Confidence has risen considerably along the interior of the Bears defensive line thanks to the arrivals of Grady Jarrett and Shemar Turner—the concerns center on their edge positions. Montez Sweat is still good. Dayo Odeyingbo was solid in Indianapolis. After that, it gets questionable with Austin Booker headlining a largely unproven group. Buffalo has one of the best tackle tandems in the league, with Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown. If the Bears can put some heat on Josh Allen in those practices, it should ease some fears about whether this edge group is good enough.
Buffalo defensive ends vs. Chicago offensive tackles
Ironically, the situation plays out the same way on opposite sides of the ball. Chicago revamped their interior offensive line with Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. Their tackle situation is an unknown. Darnell Wright should be fine. Braxton Jones still isn't back from his leg injury, leaving two inexperienced options to compete for the spot in Kiran Amegadjie and Ozzy Trapilo. They'll have to go against a pair of established names, Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa. How much pressure they put on Caleb Williams may determine Jones' chances of keeping the job whenever he's back to 100%.
Chicago cornerbacks vs. Miami wide receivers
No wide receiver corps tests defensive backs more than the Dolphins. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are already established stars with blazing speed. Now, Miami has added the underrated Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to the mix. He's not slow either. This puts plenty of pressure on the Chicago Bears' cornerback group. Jaylon Johnson is good. Is Kyler Gordon healthy? Where does Tyrique Stevenson stand after his forgettable 2024 season? That practice will provide clear answers to some uncomfortable questions.
Miami safeties vs. Chicago tight ends
Ben Johnson loves to run his offense through the tight ends. That is why he drafted Colston Loveland in the 1st round. Together with Cole Kmet, they could forge a formidable tandem for Chicago. Thanks to a recent trade, Miami now has one of the more interesting safety duos led by five-time Pro Bowler Minkah Fitzpatrick and free agent Ifeatu Melifonwu. Their ability to protect the intermediate and deep middle of the field could create an imposing challenge for the Bears' tight ends.
