The first two weeks of the season were essential lessons for Ben Johnson. Opening night was a reminder that a game isn’t over until the final whistle. You must learn how to close things out in the 4th quarter. The second game was an introduction to how things can rapidly spiral out of control. Johnson faced a crossroads going into week three against Dallas. The Bears were reeling from their 52-21 beatdown in Detroit. Previous versions of this team would’ve folded like soft tortillas. Johnson had to get them ready.
What followed was the type of response that was desperately needed. Chicago seized control of the game early with touchdowns on two of their first three drives. Then in the 3rd quarter, Johnson orchestrated a 19-play march that slowly ground down Dallas’ defense, capped by a daring call on 4th and goal that went for a touchdown. The Bears cruised to a 31-14 win, giving them life ahead of a big matchup next week in Las Vegas.
Probably the best part was the post-game locker room. Caleb Williams gave Johnson the ball for his first victory. One would think the coach would stay level-headed, telling players to keep their focus for next week. Not Johnson.
Ben Johnson seems to have guys believing.
Just look at the people front and center in that huddle: Williams, Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter, and Jaquan Brisker. These are the team leaders, and they’re as amped up as Ben Johnson is. That should tell you the effect this young head coach is having. He promised from the outset that if they worked hard, played with intensity, and did the little things right, the wins would come. This game was the first step in that direction. They can already feel it. The Bears would probably be 2-1 if not for that painful 4th quarter against Minnesota. Johnson has them thinking they can hang with anybody.
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Looking ahead, things might line up in the Bears’ favor. Las Vegas just lost 41-24 to Washington, who didn’t even have Jayden Daniels. Then coming out of the bye, three of the next five games will be against New Orleans, a Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati, and the Giants. Those four games suddenly look quite winnable, especially if they start getting some guys back healthy. If the Bears play like they did Sunday, it will be fun to watch.
