The No. 2 defense got off the field on the first play of its two-minute drill as defensive back Josh Blackwell intercepted a pass over the middle.
Blackwell has been a valuable member of the Bears since his arrival in 2022, excelling on both defense and special teams. Last season he recorded his first career interception in a win over the Jaguars and returned a punt 94 yards for a touchdown on a trick play in a victory over the Packers, earning NFC special teams player of the week honors.
Last Sunday, Blackwell led the Bears with two special teams tackles in their 24-24 preseason-opening tie with the Dolphins at Soldier Field.
“I’m blessed to coach him,” said special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. “He is a very cerebral player that sits in the front row and he’s always trying to get better. He’s always asking for tape of people with his stature, with his size, with moves that he can use to go out there and get better at.
“I just appreciate the genuine love and passion that he has for the process. I want players that love the process. If you’ve got guys like that and they’ve got a little bit of talent, then it’s our job to get them going.”
Hightower described Blackwell’s value as “astronomical.”
“His value is huge to me and to the rest of the team,” Hightower said. “He made plays on Sunday. He’s made plays throughout his career. He’s played at a Pro Bowl level.”
Blackwell entered the NFL in 2022 as an undrafted free agent with the Eagles. He was waived as part of final cuts and claimed by the Bears the next day.
“He’s a problem for people,” Hightower said. “Every coordinator we play has a discussion about ’39’ and how good he is, and, where you got him from, and ‘How did your scouting department find him? How did we miss him?’ We’ve just got to keep him going. We’re looking for more from him this year.”
The Bears ended practice by lining up an offensive lineman as a receiver running a route and a defensive lineman in coverage. The six players involved weigh a combined 1,815 pounds. Williams threw all three passes.
First, right tackle Darnell Wright leaped over defensive end Montez Sweat to catch a pass downfield. Jackson then beat defensive tackle Andrew Billings deep but dropped the ball.
“Fifty-fifty-ball,” Jackson said. “It’s either a touchdown or a drop. I’ll take my odds.”
After splitting the first two reps, the offense won the drill when left guard Joe Thuney beat defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and caught a slant pass. Members of the defense each had to do 10 pushups while the offense celebrated.
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