Ben Johnson may be doing more than just revolutionizing the Chicago Bears.
Former NFL player, Super Bowl champion, and scout Bucky Brooks believes Johnson will be this generation’s Bill Walsh, with “no disrespect” meant to some of his more well-established peers around the NFL.
“Ben Johnson is the guru who will define the 2020s as a legendary play-caller. The second-year head coach of the Chicago Bears has awakened a hibernating offense, transforming it into a juggernaut that has defensive coordinators shaking in their boots as they prepare to face the ‘Monsters of the Midway,’” Brooks wrote on September 18.
“The video game-like exhibition demonstrated Johnson’s brilliance as a play-caller, further proving his deft ability to juggle a collection of weapons. That’s something he showcased as Detroit’s offensive coordinator from 2022 through ‘24, when the Lions fielded three straight top-five units in points and yards. Now he’s doing the same thing in the Windy City, pulling all the right levers with a potent pack of playmakers.”
Among his individual accolades, Walsh won three Super Bowls. Johnson and the Bears would undoubtedly take that.
Bears’ Ben Johnson Gets Strong Words From Super Bowl Champion
Ben Johnson Draws Hall of Fame Comparison Before Bears Game
This week’s matchup will pit Johnson and the Bears against an equal in terms of risk taking in Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
It is a chess match that has already developed some interesting tendencies like quick snaps.
In addition to not allowing the defense to do its typical smoke and mirrors, Johnson’s quick-snap approach also gives the Bears the best chance at taking advantage of the risk baked into Flores’ all-or-nothing approach.
Super Bowl champion Julian Edelman, who was a player on the New England Patriots during Flores time there as an assistant in various capacities, explained the gamble.
Edelman highlighted Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in particular.
Bucky Brooks Drives Home Point on Ben Johnson
Brooks did not leave his assessment of Johnson open for interpretation, closing with a direct comparison of the Bears head coach and his Hall of Fame counterpart.
“Bill Walsh transformed the game with his West Coast offense and a star-studded lineup that featured Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Roger Craig, among others. The Hall of Fame coach made a pass-heavy approach the norm. These days, Johnson has balance back in vogue. Chicago ranked third in rushing and 10th in passing last season. In 2026, the Bears could finish in the top five in both categories,” Brooks wrote.
“With a well-rounded approach, creative scheming and a deep bag of tricks, Johnson is setting the standard for modern offense. I can’t wait to see what his Bears do this Sunday against the Vikings. Brian Flores’ blitz-happy defense is challenging to most, though Johnson boasts a 5-1 record when calling plays against the ballyhooed coordinator.”
Bears Looking for 1st Win Against Vikings QB
Flores and the Vikings got the best of Johnson and the Bears in Week 1 of the 2025 season with a comeback win on “Monday Night Football.” The Bears got the win in their second meeting, but this is a team that will use the loss fuel nonetheless.
The Vikings will also have Carson Wentz under center with Kyler Murray out (concussion).
Wentz is 4-0 against the Bears, most recently winning a 12-7 contest in a Week 6 matchup during the 2022 season while he was with the Washington Commanders.
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