The Bear’s Den, August 4, 2025

Bears preparing to play pre-season opener this week, joint practice session

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THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

BEARRRSSSS

August 1, 2025

Left tackle race heating up as Trapilo impresses in early reps - Ozzy Trapilo is making a case in the left tackle competition with Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie. Coaches have pointed to his footwork and consistency under pressure as key markers.

Bears lock in 2025 preseason broadcast lineup with Amin, Miller, and new voice Dales - Adam Amin and Jim Miller return to lead play-by-play and analysis, alongside sideline reporters Jasmine Baker and new addition Stacey Dales. Lou Canellis will also contribute pregame and game insights.

August 2, 2025

Undrafted WR JP Richardson turning heads with clutch catches in camp - Richardson hauled in a highlight-worthy one-handed catch during 11-on-11s. His speed and special-teams potential have made him a sleeper name to watch heading into final roster cuts.

‘King of the mountain’: Burden benched, bounces back in full‑pads practice - Rookie WR Luther Burden III was pulled from red-zone drills for misalignment but responded with one of his best practices—multiple contested catches and crisp routes. Caleb Williams praised Johnson’s uncompromising culture reset.

August 3, 2025 – Family Fest Highlights

Family Fest at Soldier Field: Defense dominates, offense sloppier—but ends on a high - In a “zero” preseason simulation, the defense made multiple impactful plays including breakups, sacks, and turnovers. The offense struggled early with mental errors and delay‑of‑game penalties. They ended strong with Caleb Williams driving the ball to tight end Cole Kmet for a go‑ahead TD in two-minute drill.

Around Halas Hall – Notes & Observations

• Receiver hierarchy settling with Kmet, Moore and Odunze ahead of the pack, signaling Johnson’s early trust in their mental consistency and alignment discipline (pass‑catchers trust).
• QB discipline crisis: Johnson’s sharp critique after a rough practice showed he’s unafraid to confront bad habits early—Williams faces a year-one reboot under new standards (sloppy mistakes).
• RB depth emerges: Monangai’s short-yardage proficiency and follow‑through earned major praise and early trajectory for regular snaps (Monangai report).
• 2‑minute QB upside: Williams’ improvisational edge in critical late-game looks confirms his high ceiling—even if fundamentals still need polish (two‑minute drill).
• Left tackle remains unsettled: Trapilo’s rise intensified camp intrigue, but staff emphasizes that competition remains wide open (Trapilo story).
• Pass rush accountability: The edge duo must deliver takeaways to validate their investment and strengthen this unit—no excuses from Denver (edge rushers need sacks).

**IN CASE YOU MISSED...