The NFL is in need of characters like Ben Johnson—part genius, part provocateur, a mind that dazzles and a spirit that rattles. He embodies both brilliance and a wild edge, challenging conventional offensive thinking and ushering in a fresh era of Super Bowl aspirations for the Chicago Bears. He thrives on intense rivalries and relishes the drama of feuds.
Comfort and complacency are foreign to him; he makes it clear to opposing squads that he dislikes them, and he signals to other head coaches that he is coming for their teams. In doing so, he has become a pivotal force in turning the Bears' story from one of disappointment to one of optimism. "You guys know what’s happening next week?
No need to explain further," he said, referring to the Bears' upcoming clash with their fierce divisional foe, the Green Bay Packers, after engineering a win over the New York Jets. "Forget the Packers! I can’t stand those guys!" Johnson shouted in the locker room, his disdain unmistakable. His lack of respect for the Packers is evident, and he makes no apologies for it.
By contemporary standards, Johnson might seem like an outlier. While many NFL sidelines are populated by disciples of Kyle Shanahan or Sean McVay, Johnson hails from a different lineage, offering his own spin on the motion‑heavy, play‑action, zone‑run concepts popularized by Shanahan. Pre‑snap motion and misdirection remain central to his approach, yet he adds a new layer of horizontal pressure and diagnostic stress that leaves defenses scrambling for answers. He anticipates and forces moves on the tactical board before they even materialize on the field.
Through the first four weeks of the season, Johnson’s offense has led the league in total yards, averaging 429 yards per game, and tops the rushing charts with 196.3 ground yards per contest. The Bears also rank third in drop‑back success rate and eighth in expected points added per play, despite missing starting quarterback Caleb Williams for the last two weeks. Williams suffered a hamstring injury during Chicago’s 9‑3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week Two. While that setback could have raised doubts about the Bears’ momentum, it is worth noting that the loss came against a Brian Flores‑led, blitz‑centric defense—an opponent capable of unsettling even the most elite offenses.
Since then, the Bears have posted back‑to‑back victories, averaging 434 yards and 25 points per game against the Philadelphia Eagles and, most recently, the New York Jets. The 27‑7 triumph over Philadelphia featured 38‑year‑old backup quarterback Case Keenum, who completed 24 of 34 attempts for 247 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in his first start in nearly three years. A week later, Johnson guided the team to a 23‑12 win over the Jets with another backup, Tyson Bagent, who threw for 268 yards and one interception in just his fifth career start. History shows that the most talented and successful football coaches can adapt and win regardless of who is under center.
Johnson’s ability to thrive with multiple quarterbacks places him among the elite architects of the modern game, alongside the likes of Shanahan and McVay, and showcases his plug‑and‑play mastery. In both contests without Williams, the Bears leaned heavily on a potent rushing attack.
D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai combined for 115 yards on 30 carries against the Eagles, while Chicago amassed 204 rushing yards on 45 of its 54 total attempts against the Jets. Monangai shone with 146 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Bears dominate time of possession—holding the ball for 42 minutes 45 seconds compared with the Jets’ 17 minutes 15 seconds. That game also marked the first occasion since September 1999 that a team recorded more first downs (34) than the total offensive plays run by its opponent (32). Johnson’s success with Bagent is no accident.
He has deliberately cultivated depth at quarterback, recognizing that modern NFL teams need reliable backups. While Plan A centers on Williams, Plans B (Bagent) and C (Keenum) are fully integrated into his system, making him more equipped than most coaches to sustain performance despite injuries.
"There’s real value in having a strong number‑two quarterback, and he definitely fits that role. I think he’s among the top 32 quarterbacks in the league," Johnson remarked about Bagent earlier this summer. Johnson’s rise began in Detroit, where he revitalized Jared Goff’s career and built one of the most inventive offenses in recent memory.
A dynamic backfield of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery epitomized his scheme, blending explosive speed with gritty, lane‑finding runs. Balanced play‑action opened up opportunities for Amon‑Ra St Brown and Jameson Williams, creating a field‑stretching attack capable of challenging defenses from every angle.
His penchant for innovation is evident in several memorable moments. In January, he sent offensive lineman Theo Benedet on a seam route against the Packers. He also deployed 6‑foot‑9 reserve lineman Dan Skipper as a surprise receiver, using him on isolated routes and even as a trick‑play touchdown target. Penei Sewell became a strategic decoy in a smoke‑and‑mirrors running game, while Johnson’s counter‑flow system disrupted defensive lane discipline and play recognition.
These creative tricks made him highly sought after, prompting the Bears to hire him to guide their offense and support Williams. Johnson’s ingenuity shows no signs of waning. In the most recent win over the Jets, he placed both Keenum and Bagent in the same formation on the opening drive—a bold, self‑referential move that highlighted his confidence in backup quarterbacks.
He has emerged as a refreshing necessity in modern football, positioning himself as one of the most impactful and forward‑thinking offensive minds of his generation while still honoring a nostalgic, hard‑charging competitive spirit. His blend of clever scheming and raw passion has rallied an entire city behind him. Former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers once claimed dominance over the Bears in the rivalry, but Johnson has rewritten that narrative. Under his guidance, Chicago captured two of the three matchups last season, including a playoff victory, and secured its first NFC North title since 2018.
"He wants to beat them as badly as any Chicago fan—beat them badly and make them quit," said receiver Luther Burden III. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, however, refused to engage in early mind games.
"This game is about the players," he said. "We’ll keep it focused on them. I'm not the one out there; they're the ones playing. That's always been my mindset." Packers safety Evan Williams added, "It’s easy to talk in front of a camera, but that won’t stop you from taking a hit on Sunday.
Words don’t protect you on the field." The stage is set, just as Johnson envisions. Before Johnson’s arrival in 2025, Chicago had won only one playoff game since 2006. His influence has transformed the Bears into a contender and cemented his status as one of the most significant figures in contemporary football.
The NFL is richer for his creativity and his unapologetic flair. Watch the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, including every playoff moment and Super Bowl LXI on Sunday, February 14, 2027. Find the latest Sky Sports offers or stream without a contract on NOW.