What The Bears Learned From Bengals Joint Practice | Does O-Line Have A Big Problem?

The Chicago Bears finally tested themselves against another NFL roster—and Caleb Williams made sure the Cincinnati Bengals noticed.

On today’s episode of Chicago Bears Central, Haize breaks down the biggest winners, concerns and takeaways from Chicago’s joint practice against Cincinnati as the Bears continue preparing for the 2026 NFL season.

The headline?

Caleb Williams showed exactly why expectations are so high.

Facing his first opposing defense since the playoffs, Williams reportedly impressed Cincinnati media during an explosive practice that featured touchdowns to Rome Odunze, Kaden Davis and Colston Loveland. One unofficial chart had Caleb completing 16 of 26 passes, including a stretch of 10 consecutive completions in 11-on-11 work.

It wasn’t flawless. Williams threw interceptions and Chicago’s protection deteriorated late.

But even Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who intercepted Williams during practice, came away calling him a “special quarterback.”

Then there’s Colston Loveland. 🤯

The Bears tight end delivered another spectacular red-zone touchdown against Cincinnati, securing a perfectly placed Williams pass with tight coverage draped all over him. After torching Cincinnati for 118 yards and two touchdowns last season, Loveland apparently still enjoys seeing Bengals uniforms.

And defensively?

Jaylon Johnson reminded everybody exactly who he is. 😤

Johnson reportedly held Ja’Marr Chase without a catch during team reps when matched against him, including a pass breakup that ultimately resulted in a Devin Bush interception.

That’s elite-on-elite competition.

But the practice also revealed Chicago’s biggest concern of the day:

🧱 The offensive line struggled badly against Cincinnati’s revamped defensive front.

Interior pressure consistently bothered Williams, while Dexter Lawrence caused problems throughout practice. The Bears need their protection to become more consistent—and the continued uncertainty at left tackle isn’t helping chemistry up front.

Ben Johnson acknowledged that veteran guard Joe Thuney would benefit from knowing who will ultimately line up next to him, emphasizing how important continuity is to getting all five linemen operating as one unit.

Haize breaks down:

🔥 Caleb Williams impressing against Cincinnati

🤯 Another huge Caleb-to-Loveland connection

😤 Jaylon Johnson vs. Ja’Marr Chase

🛡️ Dillon Thieneman intercepting Joe Burrow

🚀 Kaden Davis continuing his push for the 53

🎯 Kalif Raymond emerging as a dependable target

🧱 Why the Bears offensive line struggled

⚠️ The problems Dexter Lawrence created inside

👀 Whether Braxton Jones is pulling ahead at left tackle

🤔 Why Chicago needs to settle its starting five soon

📞 Plus your Chicago Bears Central voicemails and fan reactions

The joint practice wasn’t perfect.

That’s exactly why it was valuable.

Chicago saw some of its highest-upside players shine while also getting a clear look at what still needs to be fixed before Week 1.

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central

Hosted by Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬