3 standouts from Bears' joint practice with Bengals

The Chicago Bears are in the thick of training camp practices as they inch closer and closer to the start of the 2024 season. Every rep counts for this team as they look to install a brand new offense with new playmakers, including rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.

On defense, the Bears are building off a successful 2023 season with many of the same starters in place. They will look to solidify themselves as a top defense, while role players on both sides try and make an impact to secure a roster spot when the preseason wraps up.

After every practice, we will be highlighting a handful of players who stood out and why. Thursday's practice was unique for a couple of reasons. First, it was the long-awaited joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals, who came to town ahead of Saturday's preseason game. Second, it was a rainy mess that prevented fans from attending. But through the less-than-ideal conditions, the Bears won the day on both offense and defense. Here were a few standouts from Thursday's practice:

1. QB Caleb Williams

Thursday was the second time Williams has faced a defense that wasn't on his own team, and for the second time, the results were good. According to those in attendance, Williams was impressive against the starting Bengals defense. He rebounded from an interception early on in 7-on-7s to throw a pair of touchdowns to Keenan Allen and DJ Moore while playing mistake-free football as well. Allen caught a ball over cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt in the left corner of the end zone, and Williams was able to lead Moore in front of Dax Hill near the left side, where he was able to run in for the score.

Williams held his own against the Bengals defense, and the Cincinnati media that was in town came away impressed with his play. FOX 19's Jeremy Rauch in particular had a glowing review of the rookie quarterback and his weapons. "I could not have been more impressed with how Caleb Williams looked, and you look at his receiving corps, and you’re reminded of who they could be this year with Rome Odunze the rookie, Keenan Allen, DJ Moore," Rauch said. With a team that has Joe Burrow as their signal caller, it's encouraging to hear reporters gush about Williams.

2. CB Jaylon Johnson

Speaking of Burrow, the Bengals quarterback struggled during the wet practice against the Bears defense, in part due to the presence of Jaylon Johnson. According to WGN's Kaitlin Sharkey, Burrow wasn't even looking towards Johnson's side of the field and opted to target other areas instead. Johnson is truly earning the "shutdown corner" distinction when players won't even look his way during a practice.

Of course, that didn't stop the 26-year-old defensive back from making plays either. Johnson was able to get his hands on a couple of passes, which he nearly intercepted in team drills. It's still early, but Johnson is poised to pick up where he left off last season and become a household name.

3. S Kevin Byard

Is Kevin Byard heating up? He certainly thinks so after his performance against the Bengals. The veteran safety came away with one of three Burrow interceptions on Thursday, which was a nice diving grab in front of the receiver. According to 670 The Score's Chris Emma, it brought some energy to the Bears sideline.

Byard was a player who had gotten bested early on in camp, whether it was thanks to Moore, Allen, or Odunze. He's finding a groove, though, as he's picked off three passes during his last four practices, according to him. The veteran has played against a number of star quarterbacks throughout his career, and Burrow is one of the best in the game at this point in time. It's good to see him get the best of his former AFC foe, even if it's just practice.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 standouts from Bears' joint practice with Bengals