During his three seasons as offensive coordinator in Detroit, Ben Johnson became well known for his trick plays.
Not only would the play-caller install gadget plays, but he was fearless at unleashing them in key moments.
Those bits don't come without practice.
Now the Chicago head coach, Johnson closed out Thursday's final session of Bears mandatory minicamp by sending offensive linemen sprinting down the sideline for passing drills.
The results were about what you'd expect, with backup quarterback Tyson Bagent quipping that "nobody I threw the ball to, at least" stood out.
Right tackle Darnell Wright reportedly made the best play of the linemen, snagging the pigskin with his right hand and spinning before hitting the ground. The move caught the attention of Johnson.
"Oh, I did," the coach said when asked if he noticed Wright's grab, via the Chicago Sun-Times.
Watching big men rumble downfield in an attempt to catch passes is a fun way to end offseason workouts. However, it's more than mere entertainment and amusement for the hogs. Johnson is figuring out who he can trust when he concocts new trick plays.
During his tenure, the Lions famously threw passes to multiple offensive linemen, including to 6-foot-9 reserve Dan Skipper. Star right tackle Penei Sewell has caught a reception and, last year, looked to throw a pass before making the smart play to run out of bounds when the play wasn't open.
In addition to the offensive linemen catching passes, the Bears also changed things up elsewhere with receivers and tight ends throwing passes and QBs catching.
The mixed-up mayhem of the final minicamp allows Johnson to see who on his roster can do what as he sets up his next stack of trick plays.
"I think we've got some toys to work with," Johnson said.
