When Ben Johnson informed the league that he was ready to man the helm as a head coach, he instantly became the top target this past offseason. After leading Detroit to multiple seasons as arguably the league's best offense, franchises knew that landing Johnson would lead to good times ahead.
While it seems his mind may have been made up when deciding to enter free agency, Chicago was the lucky team to snag him. Now looking back, I’m sure they’re grinning ear to ear about the decision.
Johnson came in hot
When the Chicago Bears opened up training camp this offseason, reports were coming out of the facility seemingly on a daily basis about their new regime.
From Rome Odunze or DJ Moore relaying Johnson’s new ‘tone’ with the team to reports of him yanking the first team offense off the field at the slightest mistake, it was clear he was setting a new standard in Chicago. Frankly, a standard that had been severely lacking under previous regimes.
At the time, it was clearly an uncomfortable position for many of the players to be in, but pressure makes diamonds.
Who are these Bears?
Looking at Chicago through week 10, the Bears aren’t just getting by. Dare I say they’re thriving? After a rough 0-2 start to the season, losing both to divisional opponents, Chicago sports pessimism set in as it does.
Yet, since that stretch, the Bears are 6-1 through their last seven games and showing an attitude we have not seen in some time. They’re even currently tied for the division lead with Johnson’s old team, Detroit.
Not only are they picking up wins, but it’s how they’re picking up wins. They’ve proved time and time again that no matter how down they may be, they’re certainly never out. A number of their wins coming in ‘come from behind’ fashion leads me to believe the “Ben Johnson effect” implemented in the offseason is starting to set in.
“Ben Johnson effect" rearing its head
Not only do the aforementioned gutty results speak for themselves, but Johnson’s patented offensive mind is starting to reveal itself statistically as well. So far through week 10, the Bears rank in the top 10 in all but one major offensive category.
According to ESPN, Chicago ranks:
- 3rd in yards/game (379.8)
- 5th in rushing yards/game (1,326)
- 7th in PPG (26.6)
In passing yards per game, they come in just shy of the top 10, coming in at 12th in the league.
Yes, Chicago certainly shored up their offensive line this offseason through free agency. Yes, they drafted a great young tight end, Colston Loveland, who has been coming into his own over the past few weeks.
Those factors alone don’t add up to the efficiency and complete 180 we’ve seen from this Bears team. Ben Johnson is doing the Lord’s work in Chicago, and he might even lead them all the way back to the playoffs.