(670 The Score) Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has noticed a difference in the team's new coaching staff compared to the previous regime.
As the Bears reported to training camp Tuesday, Johnson was asked about the changes he has seen with coach Matt Eberflus and his assistants now leading the way on the field. As part of a longer answer, Johnson replied, "The way that they just hold us accountable is crazy compared to what we're used to."
"I would just say with the consistency, really," Johnson said. "They haven't really changed the expectations for anybody in the building. I feel like it really kind of takes it back to the fundamentals, really just playing football hard, playing football the right way. I thought they established a good sense of tough-nosed football. And I wouldn't say that our last staff didn't. I just think that their emphasis is a lot more. They're emphasizing really running to the ball, like you guys know. We got to be in shape. We're going to be running a lot more. Everything's just emphasized differently. Everything is just being harped on, and I mean the way that they count loafs. The way that they just hold us accountable is crazy compared to what we're used to, really. But I feel like it's all going to pay off. You can never be in too much shape. You can never be too physical. You can never play football hard enough. I feel like it's all for good measure, for good purpose. But it's definitely going to be a challenge, and I feel like we're up for it."
The Bears fired general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy after going 6-11 in 2021, then replaced them with Ryan Poles and Eberflus, respectively. The Bears have been working to build a new culture since the new regime was installed.
"Just establishing the standard, really, is my biggest thing, because it's different from what the standard was last year," Johnson said. "So, it's hard to say, 'to raise it,' but they're coming in and re-establishing a different culture, re-establishing a different foundation, a different way of doing things, a different way of moving. Then I feel like, once we get that establishment, that foundation as a team, the leaders are enforcing that, then I feel like we can truly take that step to truly raise their standard. But I really feel like it starts with the foundation and establishing what they want us to do as a leader
"Establishing their foundation and getting guys to buy into it. Then once we establish that, then we can take it a step further, and I would say to raise that standard."
The Bears are scheduled to hold their first practice of training camp Wednesday at Halas Hall.
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