Thursday's joint practice between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals wasn't what anyone was expecting in more ways than one.
For starters, the joint practice between the two teams was expected to be open for fans, until the fan viewing was cancelled this morning due to inclement weather.
The rain was able to hold up enough to keep practice outside at Halas Hall but all the players were forced to battle against the elements. As a result, the defense for both teams headlined the day at practice with each offense struggling against the rain.
"It was great to be out there in the weather for really everybody," Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said. "Just because of the ball. You have to handle the ball differently in the wet. Not only that, but it's also the footwork. You gotta keep your feet under your frame, in terms of planting, driving, and moving in that wet condition."
Both the Bears and Bengals hoped to use today's practice as an alternative to playing the starters in the preseason game on Saturday. Based on how today went with the weather, things will be changing.
After practice, Eberflus announced that the starters will be playing on Saturday against the Bengals, including quarterback Caleb Williams.
"This day was another chance to get competitive reps against another opponent, which was outstanding," Eberflus added. "This weekend coming up on Saturday, we'll get another chance to get some reps there too."
Last weekend against the Buffalo Bills, Williams and the Bears starters were out there for two drives, both ending with successful field goal attempts. This weekend the starters could play even longer, potentially a full quarter according to tight end Cole Kmet . Everyone in the crowd is sure to be excited to see Williams back on the field.
The Bears were also able to add some more players back in practice this week that were forced to miss last weekend's game. Defensive end Montez Sweat, cornerback Kyler Gordon, and guard Nate Davis all were able to practice at some extent this week.
As far as today's practice in the rain, the team's offense led by their rookie quarterback played decently well after a rough start. According to Adam Jahns , Williams threw an interception to Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt on the first play of 7-on-7 drills but looked strong in the red zone. On defense, the Bears recorded multiple interceptions against quarterback Joe Burrow, including a diving play by safety Kevin Byard.
We'll see if the Bears can keep that level of success going this weekend when the new rookies make their debut at Soldier Field during the team's third preseason game.
Related: Three Bears players who need to have a good performance in the joint practice with the Bengals this week
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