LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson seemed aggravated Saturday in Cincinnati, none too pleased with his team’s 27-9 preseason loss to the Bengals and more perturbed by all the clumsy stumbles that sent the Bears plummeting down that open manhole. The Bears committed 11 penalties, including a drive killer on the opening series, a hold by left tackle Braxton Jones that turned second-and-1 inside the red zone into first-and-20.So much for the first-team offense — with quarterback Caleb Williams getting a brief cameo — delivering a feel-good touchdown drive to heighten the summer energy.The defense, meanwhile, went without a sack and had just two tackles for loss across 58 plays. And the special teams miscues included a pushed 53-yard field goal attempt by Cairo Santos plus a shaky JP Richardson kickoff return that started with a muffed catch inside the end zone and included an illegal block by Qadir Ismail.Eek.“It doesn’t matter if it’s preseason or not,” Johnson told reporters afterward. “It’s a bad feeling in that locker room after the game when you lose — particularly like that, when it’s by multiple scores. You don’t feel like you made it very close there at the end.”Coolest things we saw at Bengals-Bears joint practicePaul Dehner Jr. and Kevin FishbainRelatively speaking, in an August exhibition game with few significant stakes, Saturday’s loss feels easy to discard, particularly with the Bears quickly approaching the regular season and with their focus turning this week to a Thursday joint practice with the Titans in Nashville, Tenn.But last weekend’s performance also likely gave Johnson and his staff plenty of video ammo to recapture their players’ attention. Thus, it’s vital that the Bears fashion a strong response.In just two weeks, Johnson must have his group immersed in game-week preparation, locking in on a season-opening test at Carolina. The hope is, by then, that this group will be far more polished and effective than it was Saturday night and that Johnson will feel some wind at his back.With that in mind, we’re offering this late-summer mood check from Halas Hall.ImpressedGoodness, does this offense have impressive weaponry for Johnson to play with. And it’s a big reason the hopes for a big developmental leap from Williams are realistic.Running back D’Andre Swift? He’s had a terrific camp and could very easily emerge as the engine that gets the offense rolling in September.Colston Loveland? He’s quickly put himself on track to become one of the most dangerous all-around tight ends in the league.Wide receiver Rome Odunze? He’s been turning his coaches’ heads with consistent success on contested catches, which may increase his opportunities in the passing game.Wide receiver Luther Burden III? Before a groin injury sidelined him this month, Burden was fast becoming a go-to target for Williams.And Darnell Wright? Yes indeed, in Johnson’s eyes, an offensive tackle can count as a weapon when used properly.Williams, meanwhile, continues to flash signs of growth. And Johnson, as one of the sport’s most respected offensive visionaries, brings a trust factor that generates significant excitement.OptimisticThe unity between Johnson and Williams is as strong as ever, with the coach serving up an unlimited buffet of football knowledge and the quarterback constantly getting back in line for more.What an incredible headspace that is for both men, particularly after the bumpy start they had in their first summer together. During training camp in 2025, Williams acknowledged he felt like he was drowning at times under Johnson’s demands and struggling to discern whether his coach even liked him. Johnson has revealed that, upon his arrival, he wasn’t fully certain Williams was coachable to the level he’d need to be to grow properly.Now? The passion and intensity of Johnson and Williams are evident. But there’s minimal friction or anxiety in their day-to-day dealings.Said Williams: “Everything he says to me, I’ll do it at 200 percent and won’t look back.”Johnson’s review of his starting quarterback is truthful and to the point. He has no hesitation praising Williams for his elite arm talent, escape ability and playmaking prowess. “There are just so many layers to who he is as a player.”But Johnson isn’t afraid to push — for better processing speed, for improved understanding of the game, for more steadiness.“I think that word consistency comes up,” Johnson said. “Over the course of a 60-minute game or more, we need it to be where we’re playing high-level quarterback play all throughout that game. You see flashes and yet we’re trying to tap into that where we’re just consistently delivering the ball where it needs to go.”Bears rookie defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg has been one of the pleasant surprises of the summer. (Joseph Maiorana / Imagn Images)SurprisedAnd pleasantly so, by the depth and energy of the defensive tackle group. Justifiable outside concern has existed for months about whether the Bears have enough juice up front to cause consistent disruption. Yet on the interior, Dennis Allen’s defense seems to have so many hungry defensive tackles that final decisions on who makes the 53-man roster may prove difficult.The defensive tackle room has established, intelligent veterans (Grady Jarrett, Neville Gallimore); eager rookies (Jordan van den Berg and Jayden Loving); and a starter in Gervon Dexter who’s in a contract year and feeling a confidence spike from the technical improvements the coaching staff has helped him make.There is also Kentavius Street (an eighth-year vet on his fifth team) and James Lynch (now in his sixth season), both signed this spring as potential depth pieces.“It’s one of the better defensive tackle groups I’ve been in,” Dexter said.Added Gallimore: “The thing I love most about this group is everybody is just selfless. Everybody just comes to work every day and wants to compete, get better and do their job to the best of their abilities for whoever is to their left and right. I feel like that’s what you need.”The Bears carried only four defensive tackles into last season’s season opener. So sorting through this competition and figuring out potential roles will be important this week.CuriousThe Bears’ signing of soon-to-be 30-year-old defensive end Marcus Davenport crossed the transaction wire Aug. 17. Yet Davenport, who has missed 37 games over the previous three seasons, is continuing a conditioning ramp-up phase and has yet to participate in practice.It remains to be seen how quickly he might have an impact in the defensive line rotation — and how long he can stay on the field.“Obviously the biggest thing for Marcus — and it’s been that way throughout his career — is his ability to be healthy and maintain his health,” Allen said last week. “But when he’s out there, he’s a disruptive force.”Allen was the New Orleans Saints’ defensive coordinator when they drafted Davenport in the first round in 2018. Allen was still in that role in 2021 when Davenport delivered a career-high nine sacks in 11 games. So the defensive coordinator has credibility when he labels Davenport “a good fit” for what the Bears are building while lauding his mentality and ability to create opportunities for others.“He has always been a disruptive player,” Allen said. “You can put on a lot of tape and see him in the backfield creating a lot of disruption.”Davenport’s contract with the Bears includes a $1.3 million base salary. So his arrival offers a low-risk opportunity to enliven the pass rush. Said Johnson: “He’s going to add some competition for us on the edge. He’s still a very hungry and motivated individual. And we’ve got a plan for how we want him to come back and be able to help us out.”ConcernedOf the 46 players listed in the first two columns of the depth chart on offense or defense in last week’s game release, 17 have dealt with injury during camp. The current wait-and-see injury list includes receiver Burden (hamstring), running back Kyle Monangai (knee), cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (undisclosed) and backup quarterback Tyson Bagent (hamstring).There’s a separate “concern” corridor for players still carrying a designation of physically unable to perform: defensive backs Kyler Gordon (calf) and Elijah Hicks (shin); defensive lineman Shemar Turner (knee); and linebackers Noah Sewell (Achilles) and Keyshaun Elliot (back).Plus, safety Coby Bryant, signed to a $40 million contract in March, recently had knee surgery that may keep him out the entire season, removing a big-time playmaker and leader from the team’s plans.In short, the Bears’ depth has already been strained and promises to be tested right out of the gate. The ripple effect through special teams may be felt as well.The Bears certainly have enough roster strength to remain a playoff contender through the inevitable wave of injuries that comes every season. But for a team with higher aspirations, the group’s collective health will require constant monitoring.WorriedLeft tackle. Left tackle. Left tackle.The Bears have only six practices and one exhibition game left before Labor Day. Yet the quest to lock in a starting left tackle continues without nearly enough clarity.Jones still seems to be the front-runner to get the Week 1 nod. But that holding penalty on Saturday’s opening drive is the latest snapshot of the inconsistencies the coaching staff has been trying to reduce.Neither Kiran Amegadjie nor Jedrick Wills has been better than Jones this month. And now, a late-August trial period for Theo Benedet on the left side comes with its own challenges. Benedet has shown since last season he can be a mauler as a run blocker. But, Johnson said, “It was the pass (protection) that was just a bit behind. That was really his mission throughout this offseason — to make sure he’s in the right body position to where he’s not leaning forward in the pass pro.”Even with Ozzy Trapilo back practicing in a limited fashion, the timeline for his full clearance remains unclear.“As far as I’m concerned,” Johnson said last week, “the competition remains wide open. And we’ll continue to play that one out.”Is this the week a resolution is finally reached?