Miami Dolphins Are Still Griping About 'Aggressive' Joint Practice With Chicago Bears

Joint practices are meant to foster competition and preparation, but the recent sessions between the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears generated far more heat than expected. Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer didn’t hold back in expressing his frustrations, describing the Bears’ approach as overly aggressive and bordering on reckless.

Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears Joint Practice

“They were out there playing tackle football, and everybody else was playing 7-on-7,” Brewer told reporters with a mix of frustration and disbelief. His comments came nearly tw o weeks after the joint sessions, but clearly, the intensity of the practices left a lasting impression on the Dolphins.

Brewer further criticized the “fake physicality” he felt the Bears displayed in practice and alluded to a stark contrast in the two teams’ mentalities heading into drills. This sentiment was echoed by other Dolphins players and beat reporters, noting how chippy the sessions became, with referees and coaches intervening multiple times to prevent scuffles from escalating.

Such intensity may seem standard in today’s hyper-competitive NFL, but Brewer’s remarks suggest a deeper concern about how far the Bears were willing to push against the informal rules of joint practice engagements.

The Bears’ “Renegade” Defensive Identity

Brewer’s complaints align with the broader perception that the Bears, under the guidance of head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, are working to build a “ renegade” identity on defense. This philosophy emphasizes physical dominance and an aggressive mindset, as Chicago looks to rebound from years of underwhelming defensive performances.

Reports from the joint practices described instances where Bears defenders toed—or even crossed—the line, adding fuel to the Dolphins’ frustration. One specific play reportedly involved what appeared to be a clothesline tackle on a Dolphins receiver, sparking fury on the Miami sideline.

While such aggression might seem unsportsmanlike in a practice setting, it underscores Chicago’s renewed focus on toughness as the team seeks to establish itself as a hard-hitting force in the NFC North.

Implications for the 2025 Season

The friction between the two teams highlights key dynamics as both prepare for the upcoming season. For the Bears, these joint practice sessions served as an opportunity to test their physicality and gauge defensive intensity aga inst a high-powered offense led by Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. Clearly, Johnson’s Bears are willing to push the boundaries in their pursuit of building a championship-caliber defense.

For the Dolphins, however, Brewer’s comments may indicate concerns over managing player health and avoiding injuries in the lead-up to a season with sky-high expectations. Miami boasts one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, and recklessness in joint practices could jeopardize the availability of key players.

A Preview of Competitive Fire

While tension between teams in joint practices isn’t new, the simmering frustration from Miami and the unapologetic aggression from Chicago offer a glimpse into the competitive fire both teams hope to bring into the 2025 season. Brewer’s vocal criticism may not change how Ben Johnson and his staff prepare their team, but it certainly adds an intriguing wrinkle to the ongoing debate about where to draw the line between preparedness and excess in preseason preparations.

Both teams will carry lessons from these sessions into their early regular-season matchups. For fans, the escalating tension hints that we could see fireworks if these two teams cross paths again in the future.