Here’s why Bears’ joint practices with Colts matter…a lot

Chicago Bears fans are already looking forward to the team’s next preseason game, which kicks off Saturday, Aug. 19, in Indianapolis against the Colts. But the few days of joint practice before the game matters more, especially for the starters.

“Everything’s happening faster, and it’s a different opponent, so you get to play the game speed,” Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said.

Starters rarely play beyond two quarters in the second preseason game. Sure, live game action helps grease the wheels before the season starts, but the exhibition season tends to offer more value to the second-stringers and below, guys fighting for a roster spot.

Meanwhile, starters stand in street clothes, eat sunflower seeds, and watch their teammates showcase their skills in the second half.

That’s not the case in joint practices. First-teamers battle an opposing team’s first-stringers in one-on-ones and other drills, honing their craft in a way that can’t be replicated in a traditional practice environment.

“That’s a big benefit all the way around,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “You get to do one-on-ones in the red zone. You get to do one-on-ones in the field. You get the pass rush, the pass protection.”

“I know what Cody Whitehair is going to do, he knows what I’m going to do,” defensive tackle Andrew Billings said. “So, it just keeps you thinking. Now, I’m going against a guy I don’t know nothing about him. I haven’t watched any film, and he hasn’t watched any film on me.”

Getsy confirmed that not everything in a joint practice simulates a game environment. Justin Fields will wear a different-colored jersey, and the sessions will be controlled. But the benefits the Bears will gain from working with the Colts could be more significant than any two-day window of practices this summer.

“When we go out there, it’s going to be two dog days back-to-back, and we’re going to see how good we are,” wide receiver DJ Moore said.

The Chicago Bears’ first of two joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts kicks off Wednesday at 6 pm. They’ll wrap up with Thursday’s session before their preseason game kicks off Saturday night.