The Chicago Bears wanted joint practices this month. Head coach Ben Johnson believes they are far more valuable to preparing players for a season than preseason games. Their first opponent would be the Miami Dolphins. It represented a big opportunity for this young team. Miami has made the playoffs two of the past three seasons. They boast lots of athletic talent coupled with capable coaching. Joint practices offered an ideal way to see how the team is progressing in its preparation. What happened instead was a personal showcase for Jaquan Brisker and the Bears defense.
It had already been known that the safety was having a great camp. Brisker arrived at Halas Hall with a purpose after missing most of last season with a concussion. Not being able to play and the lingering concerns about a contract extension seem to have fueled his fire. He decided to take it out on the Dolphins’ offense, and the rest of the defense followed his lead. They bullied Miami for almost the entire practice, picking Tua Tagovailoa off three times while forcing several other miscues.
It was a massacre.
Safety Jaquan Brisker with an INT of Tua during 7-on-7. Jumped a route down the seam and returned it untouched. He threw the ball into the stands for a fan. Bears equipment boss Tony Medlin came and got the Dolphins ball but threw the fan a Bears one.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) August 8, 2025
Tyrique Stevenson blew up a screen play to Jaylen Waddle. Larry Borom attempted to block in space, Stevenson avoided the block and delivered a blow to Waddle.
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) August 8, 2025
Great period for the Bears defense just now.
– CB Tyrique Stevenson blew up a screen with a hard hit on Jaylen Waddle who stayed down for a bit.
– DT Gervon Dexter TFL
– DE Montez Sweat sack
– S Jaquan Brisker blitz and sack
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) August 8, 2025
Billings back in action a snap after Tyrique Stevenson tipped a Tua pass to Kevin Byard for an INT.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 8, 2025
Bears defense dominating this goal line drill against Tua and the Dolphins first team offense. Dayo with a sack. Tremaine Edmunds ends it with an interception.
— Matt Zahn (@mattzahnsports) August 8, 2025
Germain Ifedi holding call on Zach Wilson play he would have been sacked by Booker.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 8, 2025
Jaquan Brisker has become a tone-setter for this team.
People wondered who would be the unmistakable leadership voice for the Bears’ defense. While T.J. Edwards and Jaylon Johnson feel like viable contenders, it is difficult to argue that Jaquan Brisker has emerged as the unit’s beating heart. His energy, intelligence, and violent disposition stand out whenever he steps on the field, and teammates feed off it. He was dearly missed last season. The Bears’ defense never quite had the same energy after Brisker went down. Now that he’s back, it is like they got a triple dose of espresso. The intensity and energy are through the room. Miami found out the hard way what playing against that can be like. If Brisker can put together a full season, he has a major payday coming his way.
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