This week, the Chicago Bears played host to the Cincinnati Bengals for a joint practice before their preseason matchup on Saturday afternoon.

Cincinnati has had an eventful offseason thus far, with some contract situations involving both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Plus, they’re awaiting the regular season return of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow after his 2023 campaign was cut short due to injury.

During the rain-filled practice on Thursday, it was the perfect type of game day situation for the Bears, particularly on defense. Chicago is accustomed to the rain, snow and wind. This was just a warm-up.

When it was all said and done, though, the atmosphere mattered. The Bears defense loved every minute of it, as they dominated Burrow at times. All in all, Chicago’s starters in the secondary took advantage of Burrow by intercepting a whopping three passes on the day.

One columnist in attendance, Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker, was especially blown away by cornerback Jaylon Johnson, saying:

“Johnson flashed his length and skill at the catch point repeatedly, knocking away three passes. His most impressive may have come on a dig route to Higgins, which he punched out late.

Bears players on both sides of the ball raved about Johnson post-practice, and it’s easy to understand why. After receiving a four-year, $76 million deal this offseason, anticipate Johnson maintaining his phenomenal level of play from the year before as one of Chicago’s anchors.”

The tides are turning in Chicago at just the right time

All offseason long, we’ve heard and read about the hype behind this Bears team. Obviously, it’s hard not to buy into the hype when the team has Caleb Williams under center. The league’s no. 1 overall pick comes into Chicago with more momentum than any first overall pick has seen in quite some time.

The Bears’ defense should be one of the better units in football this season, but it’s the offense that is getting set to try and shock the football world. Behind Williams and all at his disposal, in terms of weaponry, Chicago could be a dangerous football team on that side of the ball.

Just a few days ago, the Atlanta Falcons pulled off a trade for former New England Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon. It was reported that the Bears and Falcons made the same, exact offer of a third-round pick.

New England went with Atlanta’s pick rather than Chicago’s. What does that say about the Bears?

For those who may not be as familiar, the decision by New England to accept Atlanta’s pick simply meant that the Patriots believed the Bears would finish with a better record than Atlanta, who also has some momentum building behind a team that was pretty well-rounded before signing quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Now, the Bears are showing an ability to frazzle and confuse one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks in a joint practice, garnering some national attention for their performance Thursday.

Add in the fact that Williams looked poised, sharp and flat-out ready in his preseason debut, and this Bears team looks like they’re out to prove the hype isn’t just hype.

The tides are, indeed, turning. The Bears are back.