Doubts about Ben Johnson's coaching prowess are dissolving as the Bears surge. Unwavering belief and a dramatic turnaround are silencing skeptics this season.
Ben Johnson had plenty of success as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, but there were doubts that it would translate to the head-coaching world.
Here the Chicago Bears are at 7-3 and it's starting to look like the doubts were unwarranted.
It's unbelievable how much can change in a year, and the Bears are no different. Chicago went from firing its former head coach, Matt Eberflus, after the coaching malpractice in that Thanksgiving Day game against the Lions, to where the franchise is now.
You could spend an eternity on the vast number of changes that have had a significant impact on this team's success, but one of the most essential investments this offseason was in the offensive line.
Adding center Drew Dalman from free agency and trading for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson have paid off. The Bears have allowed the fifth-fewest sacks (15) this season, and it's no wonder why, with the amount of talent they have in the trenches.
This is insane considering just a year ago, Caleb Williams was the most sacked (68) quarterback in the league.
The turnaround is something to marvel at, and The Athletic's Dianna Russini couldn't agree more on a recent episode of the "Hoge and Jahns" podcast.
While the Bears are winning, some are still critical of the team for barely pulling out wins against the likes of the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Las Vegas Raiders, all of whom have losing records.
Russini dismissed the notion that there is negativity toward the Bears simply because they're winning, and said it's because the league is in awe of the quick turnaround.
"Like, I don't want Bears fans watching and listening right now to be like, 'Oh, people are just negative on us because we're winning, we're finding ways, and we're finally the story.'" Russini said. "I think if anything, I find the league watching almost in awe and wanting to give them credit and belief because they know everyone in football knows what that was last year, and just the turnaround is without a doubt one of the stories of the year."
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Not only were there questions about whether Johnson's scheme would work at another franchise, but also whether he could inspire and lead a group of players. The belief that the players on this team have in their head coach in his first year will prove that idea wrong.
You can go back to October to see just how Johnson has impacted the Bears. After the 26-14 win against the Saints, he gave the game ball to his defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, after beating his former team, and the locker room erupted.
On the sidelines, Johnson comes off as very calm and collected, but isn't afraid to hype up his players in the postgame.
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) on X
Bears HC Ben Johnson gave a game ball to his defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, the former Saints HC.
📹 @ChicagoBears
Russini mentioned how funny it was that people ever doubted the Bears' head coach for a second.
"Um, and just to see the fact that Ben Johnson has turned out to be not only very good, and look, what did we all question?" Russini said. "We knew the scheme would be there. We knew he could be creative with an offense, but could he be a leader of men, right? And that is where I think we've seen it. And I know I'm sure Chicago fans all watch it. I'm obsessed with his postgame videos. I watch all of them."
Johnson's numerous post-game speeches speak for themselves, but his offense has been off the charts. Take the 2024 season, for example. The Bears averaged 208.9 passing yards per game. That number is now 237.8 passing yards per game.
The rushing attack has been crucial in setting up the pass, as Chicago ranks second in rushing yards per game this season at 146.6. Just a year ago, that number was barely over 100, as the Bears averaged 102 rushing yards per game.
The Bears are by no means a perfect team yet, but Russini believes Johnson was 100 percent the right person for the job, and it's showing week to week.
"There was even a time where I thought Mike Vrabel was going to be the coach because I knew how high they were on him and I don't think they were certain they could get Ben Johnson, because remember it got a little weird and he was meeting with other teams, and I just don't know if it was a slam dunk just yet and from what I heard Vrabel had interviewed so well over the zoom that they were like, 'Oh wait, we didn't think he'd be our number one guy, but he may be.'" Russini said. "So either way, this all worked perfect, I think, for everybody, right? Because he's obviously having so much success in New England, and Ben Johnson is the perfect person."
The decision to hire Johnson is paying off, and it's no surprise, given the energy he brings to his work.