Nothing works all of the time, and that is as true in football as it is in any other walk of life. Still, Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears will have a difficult time reviewing the tape of their opening possession against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16 as anything less than a wasted opportunity.
Chicago is looking to not only atone for their Week 14 loss in Green Bay, but also reclaim possession of first place in the NFC North.
Leaving points on the field–essentially, money on the table–is a risky proposition.
Bears Botch Play After Ben Johnson Gets in Bag
Trick Play Goes Awry for Bears
The Packers took the ball first, and they quickly made their way into plus-territory and then the red zone. However, the Bears’ defense buckled down, forcing a fourth down, and stopping the Packers’ play after that.
On the turnaround, Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense marched down the field, too.
Just like for the Packers, though, trouble arose once the Bears got into the red zone. A direct snap from Drew Dalman, intended to go through Cole Kmet’s legs to Kyle Monangai, overshot the mark.
Monangai got back on the ball, but the Bears lost 18 yards of field position and gave the ball back to the Packers’ offense. The decision on the play was widely criticized on social media in real time, but looked even more suspect after the Packers drove down for a field goal.
The Bears then went three-and-out, giving the ball back to Green Bay again.
They pinned the Packers at the 2-yard line, but that advantage lasted for all of one play before the Packers began moving the ball again, even with Jordan Love exiting on the drive.
Ben Johnson Makes Questionable Call
Johnson has been clear throughout this season when plays were there only for players to not execute them properly. Likewise, he has called himself out for plays that he might like to have back.
It will be interesting to see where that decision falls on the scale.
The Bears are already having their best season in years, but they openly want more. Valuing possessions and the situation are going to be keys to reaching whatever that ceiling is.
The Bears again buckled down in the red zone after Malik Willis took the Packers offense down the field for a field goal in Love’s place. They also get the ball after halftime, which makes their decision not to go for a FG, or at least a simpler play, on that first possession stand out more.
The Bears trailed the Packers 6-0 at the break.