How Ben Johnson is Proving He’s the ‘Real Deal’ to Bears’ Stars
As the Chicago Bears look to rebuild and elevate their offense, one of the standout figures in their camp has been offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Hired to help lead the Bears out of their offensive struggles, Johnson’s early work is earning the trust and admiration of both his coaching staff and key players. His innovative play-calling, sharp football acumen, and ability to adjust on the fly are quickly establishing him as a rising star in the NFL coaching ranks.
Johnson, who joined the Bears after spending several years with the Detroit Lions, has been making waves for his ability to develop a scheme that maximizes the talents of his players while adapting to the team’s strengths and weaknesses. With a young quarterback in Justin Fields, the Bears needed someone who could not only develop the passing game but also harness Fields’ unique skill set to the fullest. Johnson’s approach to the offense is focused on creativity and flexibility, something that has already caught the attention of key players on the roster.
A Scheme Built Around Playmakers
From day one, Johnson has emphasized building an offense that maximizes the abilities of his playmakers. The key to his early success with the Bears is his focus on the versatility of his players. Whether it’s designing plays that get the ball into the hands of running back Khalil Herbert or using Fields’ mobility to his advantage, Johnson’s schemes have been tailored to his personnel.
This has been particularly important for Fields, whose dual-threat capabilities make him a dangerous weapon when used correctly. Johnson has consistently worked to create open lanes for Fields to make quick decisions, whether it’s through designed quarterback runs, rollouts, or deep passing shots. This adaptability to Fields’ strengths has already earned the young quarterback’s confidence. The Bears’ offense, which has struggled with consistency in recent years, has shown noticeable improvements in both play-calling and execution under Johnson’s leadership.
The Praise From Key Bears’ Stars
Johnson’s impact is also being felt by the team’s top skill players. Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney has already voiced his admiration for the new offensive coordinator. Mooney, who is one of the team’s most dynamic receivers, has noted that Johnson’s playbook brings a new energy to the offense. The incorporation of more motion, quick-hit passing, and downfield opportunities has allowed Mooney to thrive in ways that weren’t as apparent in past seasons.
Similarly, running back Khalil Herbert has praised Johnson’s ability to mix up the offensive game plan, making the running game more effective and balanced. Johnson has been committed to establishing the run early, which in turn opens up the passing game for Fields and his receiving corps. This commitment to balance has helped the Bears sustain drives and control the clock more effectively, something that has been a hallmark of Johnson’s offensive philosophy.
The Bears’ offensive line has also benefited from Johnson’s approach. By using a quick-pass attack and running schemes that get the ball out of Fields’ hands quickly, Johnson has minimized the pressure on the offensive line, which has been a challenge for the Bears in recent seasons. The offensive line’s ability to hold up under pressure has allowed Fields more time to make plays, and it’s clear that Johnson’s scheme is designed with that in mind.
A Growing Reputation in the NFL
Ben Johnson’s reputation is growing quickly within the NFL, and his work with the Bears is only helping to solidify his standing as a rising star. His ability to adapt his schemes to fit the strengths of his players, especially in a developmental phase with a young quarterback, is proving that he is the “real deal.” As the Bears look to make strides in an increasingly competitive NFC North, Johnson’s coaching could be the catalyst that takes the offense from the bottom of the league to a more consistent and dangerous unit.
With the Bears’ stars continuing to buy into his vision, there is growing optimism that this could be the beginning of a new era in Chicago. If Johnson can continue to build on the foundation he’s laid, he may soon become one of the most respected offensive minds in the NFL, all while proving that he is, indeed, the “real deal” for the Chicago Bears.
