Roschon Johnson knew he was stepping into a unique situation when the Chicago Bears drafted him in the 4th round this past April. The team had the best running game in the NFL last season. Khalil Herbert was a big part of that success. Chicago also added D’Onta Foreman, fresh off his successful stint in Carolina. Then there was Justin Fields, the most dangerous runner of the bunch. Johnson understood he was entering a loaded backfield. If he wanted to get playing time, he would have to prove himself in every way possible.
The biggest step in that process was grasping the new offensive system under Luke Getsy. Now Johnson prides himself on being a “cerebral” player, as he told the Under Center podcast. Playing with his head is what made him such a success at Texas despite being a backup the entire time. However, he admitted that it didn’t take long to realize this Getsy offense is far more complex. Learning it is a challenge. Yet what blew him away the most is how quickly Fields has mastered it. He knew the Bears quarterback was a freak athlete. The intelligence was a welcome surprise.
“I think he’s a very smart guy. You can tell he knows what he’s talking about. He’s very in tune with what’s going on offensively. He has talent, whether that’s throwing the ball or running the ball. He’s a playmaker. I can tell that just by practicing with him, and then just how smart he is. The playbook that we have is not an easy playbook. So, it’s him being able to go out and make certain reads and do certain things at a high level, it’s been very apparent from my time spent practicing with him.”
Roschon Johnson hopes to be part of what is coming.
Expectations for Fields are perhaps the highest they’ve been since he arrived in the NFL two years ago. The Bears have finally assembled a roster that (on paper) looks semi-respectable. D.J. Moore fills the void of a #1 receiver. Nate Davis and Darnell Wright should help fortify the offensive line. Robert Tonyan provides more firepower at tight end. It’s the best supporting cast Fields has had since Ohio State, and everybody remembers what he accomplished with that setup.
It will be interesting to see how Roschon Johnson tackles the same problems. If he wants to get on the field, he must show an understanding of the scheme. The good news is the running back is widely praised for his study habits. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he picks things up quickly. He also likely has the best receiving skills and pass-blocking ability of anybody in that running back room. That could quickly make him one of Fields’ new best friends. Training camp and the preseason could be fun to watch.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
