‘Every Play Matters’: Ben Johnson Closely Evaluating Bears’ Left Tackle Battle as Competition Heats Up in Critical Training Camp Stretch
In the sweltering July heat of Bourbonnais, Illinois, every snap carries weight. Every rep, every mistake, every moment—magnified. That’s especially true at one of the most important positions in football: left tackle. And for first-year Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, that position has become ground zero for one of the most intense competitions in training camp.
The message from Johnson has been clear and unwavering: “Every play matters.” That mantra isn’t just a motivational poster in the locker room—it’s a daily standard. Especially for the players battling to protect the blind side of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
The left tackle spot is arguably the biggest question mark on the Bears’ offensive line. With Braxton Jones returning from injury and rookie Kiran Amegadjie making waves, the competition is wide open—and Johnson is making sure every detail is scrutinized.
The Stakes: Protecting the Franchise
The importance of the left tackle position has never been greater in Chicago. With Williams—the No. 1 overall pick and potential franchise savior—settling into the NFL, the Bears are investing everything in his development. That development hinges largely on protection, and the battle to become his primary shield is heating up.
“Every play matters because we’re not just building a depth chart,” Johnson said. “We’re building the foundation that’s going to protect our quarterback for years. That starts now.”
Johnson, known for his attention to detail as a former offensive coordinator in Detroit, isn’t just watching blocks; he’s watching footwork, leverage, hand placement, recovery, and communication. Every step, every punch, and every adjustment is logged, graded, and discussed in film sessions.
Braxton Jones: The Veteran With Something to Prove
Jones, a 2022 fifth-round pick out of Southern Utah, was once seen as a steal. He started every game as a rookie, holding his own against elite NFL pass rushers. But a neck injury in 2023 derailed his progress and opened the door for challengers.
Now healthy, Jones is back—and determined to prove he belongs.
“I know what I’m capable of,” Jones said. “I’ve been in this league. I’ve played the big games. I just have to show that I’m back to full strength and better than ever.”
Through the first week of camp, Jones has looked solid. His length and agility are still evident, and he’s held his own in 1-on-1 drills. But there have been inconsistencies—particularly against speed rushers—that Johnson and offensive line coach Chris Morgan are monitoring closely.
“We want consistency,” Johnson said. “One great rep followed by one bad one isn’t enough. We need trust on every down.”
Kiran Amegadjie: The Rookie Rising Fast
Enter Amegadjie, the third-round rookie out of Yale who has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in camp.
At 6-foot-5 and 326 pounds with elite athleticism and a high football IQ, Amegadjie is turning heads not just with his physical traits but with how quickly he’s picked up the system. His footwork is smooth, his hand placement precise, and his poise impressive for a rookie adjusting to the NFL.
“He doesn’t look like a rookie,” said right tackle Darnell Wright. “He’s physical, he’s smart, and he doesn’t get rattled.”
Amegadjie has seen increased first-team reps this week, a sign that Johnson is seriously considering the idea of starting a rookie at one of the most critical spots on the line.
“Kiran is making it hard on us—in a good way,” Johnson said. “He’s doing everything right, and that’s pushing everyone around him to be better.”
The Evaluation Process: Film, Reps, and Mental Toughness
For Johnson and his staff, the evaluation isn’t just about practice tape. It’s also about how players respond to adversity, how they prepare in meetings, and how they adapt when challenged.
“Technique can be corrected,” Johnson explained. “What we’re also watching for is mental discipline. Can you bounce back from a bad play? Can you take coaching? Can you keep your head in high-pressure moments?”
In that regard, both Jones and Amegadjie have shown growth. During one team period earlier this week, Jones gave up a pressure to Montez Sweat, but came back the next series and pancaked a defensive end on a screen pass. Amegadjie, meanwhile, has taken ownership of his rookie mistakes and corrected them swiftly.
“Coach Johnson doesn’t let anything slide,” Amegadjie said. “You mess up a rep, it’s on the board the next morning. It makes you sharper.”
The Others in the Mix
While the battle appears to be between Jones and Amegadjie, the Bears aren’t short on depth. Veteran swing tackle Larry Borom has seen time on both sides of the line, offering flexibility and insurance. Free agent addition Matt Pryor has also rotated in, though his reps have been more limited.
“We want to make sure we have eight, nine guys who can play,” Morgan said. “This league is brutal up front. We need to be ready for anything.”
Caleb Williams’ Perspective
For Williams, the left tackle battle isn’t just a curiosity—it’s personal.
“Those guys are the ones who have my back,” the rookie QB said. “It’s been cool to see how hard they’re all working. I’ve got confidence in whoever wins that job.”
Williams added that he’s already building chemistry with both Jones and Amegadjie.
“They’re both great communicators,” he said. “They ask questions, they want to know how I see the pocket, and they care about the little things.”
Joint Practices and Preseason Games Loom
The next phase of evaluation will be even more telling. With joint practices against the Colts and two preseason games on deck, Johnson sees those live reps as invaluable.
“We’ve done a great job simulating real-game speed in practice, but now we get to see them when the lights are on and someone else is on the other side of the ball,” Johnson said.
Don’t be surprised if Johnson alternates starters in preseason games to give each tackle a true chance to show what they can do under pressure.
What’s at Stake
The winner of the left tackle job gets more than just a starting spot—they inherit the responsibility of anchoring the line for a team trying to shift its identity. For too long, the Bears have been defined by offensive inconsistency and quarterback chaos. That ends now.
Johnson’s offensive vision—fast-paced, balanced, quarterback-friendly—can only come to life if the line holds up. And the left tackle, more than any other lineman, holds the key to that success.
“We’re setting a tone for who we want to be,” Johnson said. “Tough, smart, consistent. That’s what I want to see in our left tackle.”
The battle between Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie is a microcosm of what Ben Johnson is building in Chicago: competition, accountability, and excellence. Every snap matters. Every rep is a message.
In a league that offers little room for error, Johnson is demanding perfection—not tomorrow, but today. And the winner of this left tackle battle won’t just be the most talented. He’ll be the most reliable, the most prepared, and the most trusted.
Because for the 2025 Bears, and their rookie quarterback’s blind side, every play really does matter.
