The Chicago Bears’ 2025 preseason is heating up with high-stakes joint practices, starting with Friday’s intense session against the Miami Dolphins. All eyes remain on quarterback Caleb Williams, whose playing time in Sunday’s exhibition game remains uncertain as he continues adjusting to Ben Johnson’s offense.
Tempers flared during practice, with Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel intervening in a skirmish, highlighting the competitive energy as both teams prepare for the regular season. While Chicago’s defense showed dominance, Williams’ progress—and potential preseason debut—will be the storyline to watch against Miami.
With another joint practice looming against Buffalo next week, the Bears’ schedule offers crucial reps for a team determined to shake last year’s struggles. The organization faces tough decisions balancing player development with injury risks for key starters.
- Bears HC Ben Johnson is undecided about playing starters vs. Dolphins, stressing joint practice reps may be more valuable than preseason game snaps for QB Caleb Williams and the new-look offense.
- Training camp intensity spilled into joint practices, with multiple skirmishes reported, including Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel intervening to separate players during heated exchanges.
- The Bears’ defense shined in Friday’s session, while offensive struggles raised questions about Williams’ readiness despite the rookie showing flashes of his potential.
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Will Caleb Williams Play Against the Dolphins in Preseason Week 1?
The Chicago Bears’ 2025 preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins has become must-watch television primarily for one reason: will rookie quarterback Caleb Williams take the field? Head coach Ben Johnson has been elusive about his plans, stating he wanted to discuss practice plans with Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel before deciding.
At Tuesday’s intense “smashmouth football” practice, Johnson emphasized player safety while preparing the team for live action. Williams, coming off inconsistent training camp performances, needs reps but also protection from unnecessary injury risk. The Bears’ cautious approach suggests they might limit his preseason action, focusing instead on joint practice opportunities.
Joint Practices vs. Preseason Games: What’s More Valuable?
The Bears have scheduled joint practices with both Miami and Buffalo this preseason, creating controlled competitive environments. These sessions arguably offer better development opportunities than preseason games where schemes remain basic. Williams has shown flashes during practice – both brilliant throws and concerning mistakes – making these joint sessions crucial for his growth.
Dolphins-Bears Joint Practice Turns Physical: Skirmish Breaks Out
Friday’s joint practice between Chicago and Miami turned testy with multiple players needing to be separated. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel personally intervened to cool tensions, highlighting the intensity both teams brought to the session. These heated moments often occur when teams practice together, especially when implementing new systems under coaches like Johnson and McDaniel.
The Bears defense reportedly dominated portions of practice, creating turnovers against Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. This defensive success, against a playoff-caliber offense, suggests Chicago’s unit could be vastly improved from 2024.
Can Caleb Williams Become the Bears’ First 4,000-Yard Passer?
In a revealing moment, Williams acknowledged Chicago’s dubious distinction as the only NFL franchise without a 4,000-yard passer. His ambition to break this record shows both confidence and awareness of Bears history. Teammates like Rome Odunze have made bold predictions, telling ESPN they believe Williams could become “the best QB in the NFL.”
Safety Kevin Byard, who joined Chicago this offseason, provided a veteran perspective: “He’s probably the most talented quarterback I’ve ever played with.” These endorsements suggest Williams’ potential outweighs his current inconsistencies.
Ben Johnson’s Tough Love Approach with Caleb Williams
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson hasn’t hesitated to correct Williams’ mistakes publicly. After a particularly sloppy series, Johnson immediately pulled his young quarterback aside for coaching. This tough love approach defines Johnson’s philosophy – a stark contrast to the coddling some top draft picks receive.
The former offensive coordinator’s system demands precision, and Williams’ adaptation remains a work in progress. His rookie season showed promise but didn’t meet the astronomical expectations set when Chicago drafted him first overall.
Why the Bears’ Defense Might Be Ahead of the Offense
Multiple reports from the Dolphins joint practice noted Chicago’s defensive dominance. This aligns with last season’s trends where the Bears ranked near the top in several defensive categories while the offense struggled. The apparent gap between units in training camp suggests Williams and Johnson’s offense may need more time to find its rhythm.
Preseason Week 2 Preview: What’s Next for Caleb Williams?
Following the Dolphins game, Chicago prepares for joint practices with Buffalo before their second preseason matchup. If Williams sits against Miami, Bills week becomes even more critical for his development. The increased competition level should help evaluate his progress in Johnson’s system.
| Preseason Week | Opponent | Williams’ Likely Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs Miami | Limited snaps (if any) |
| 2 | vs Buffalo | Extended action expected |
| 3 | at Cleveland | Starter reps, game simulation |
The Bears typically follow a preseason quarterback plan that increases starter involvement each week. With Williams needing development but also needing protection, this progression makes logical sense.