‘He’s a menace’: Bears HC Ben Johnson did not hold back on Bengals star

Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears faced the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason game on Saturday. It was played two days after teams held a joint practice. The session gave the second-year head coach a chance to see firsthand how their opponents have been preparing for the season, including defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

The 28-year-old entered the NFL as the 17th overall pick in the 2019 draft out of Clemson. He won two national championships with the Tigers and earned one All-American honor. Lawrence has since established himself as one of the best at his position. He has two second-team All-Pro and three Pro Bowl selections under his belt.

Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears — Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall.

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson left impressed with Dexter Lawrence’s join practice performance

Lawrence showed off his mettle during the joint practice, impressing Johnson and his staff. He spoke highly of the nose tackle’s game and called him a “menace.”

“I think he’s a menace,” Johnson said. “I mean, he’s an issue. That’s been the case for a number of years. I mean, I remember being in a joint practice setting with him a couple years ago, and he wrecks practice, that’s that’s what he does. I will say I was proud of the way that (Bears center) Garrett (Bradbury) competed and he did some good things against him.

“When you face a player like that and you know you’re going to a game, you certainly do need to make sure it’s you limit the number of times anybody has a one-on-one with him because he’s just he’s a special individual.”

Ben Johnson on managing Dexter Lawrence during the Joint Practice:

“It was up and down throughout. I think he’s a menace. He’s an issue. That’s been the case for a number of years, I remember being in a joint practice setting with him a couple years ago and he wrecks practice.… pic.twitter.com/UziBH4HSG3

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) August 23, 2026

Lawrence and Cincinnati defeated the Bears 27-9 at Paycor Stadium. Johnson and Co. are now 1-1 in the preseason and will next clash with the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. The Bengals, on the other hand, have the same record and will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on the same day to wrap up their preseason slate.