Bears Coach Ben Johnson Owns Season Opener’s Kickoff Blunder but Shifts Focus to Lions Matchup

Ben Johnson joined the Lions in 2019 and became the OC in 2022 and maintained the position until becoming the head coach of Chicago this year.

Bears Coach Ben Johnson Owns Season Opener’s Kickoff Blunder but Shifts Focus to Lions Matchup

Ben Johnson (Image via AP News)

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The Chicago Bears started their season with a divisional loss to the resilient Minnesota Vikings at their home ground, Soldier Field. After losing an early lead following last quarter antics by debutant JJ McCarthy, the Bears had one last chance to create an opportunity to snatch the game away from the Purple and the Gold in the last minutes.

Late in the game, the Bears missed a crucial chance to save time after their final touchdown. With 2:02 left, a kickoff that wasn’t returned would have forced the Vikings to snap the ball before the two-minute warning, effectively creating an extra timeout. Even a kick out of bounds, while giving Minnesota the ball at its 40, would have stopped the clock entirely.

Instead, Chicago tried for a deep touchback to the 35, but kicker Cairo Santos fell short. This allowed a return that pushed the clock under two minutes and cost the Bears valuable seconds.

The particular play call was criticized by the media, more so because it came from one of the loved and noteworthy offensive maestros in the league, Ben Johnson. In a press conference on September 12, a reporter brought up the play. Johnson didn’t let the reporter finish before interjecting and asking the media to focus on their next game rather than past mistakes.

The reporter didn’t let Johnson leave easily and continued with the question. Johnson didn’t snap or interject, but rather admitted that he was at fault and iterated that this was the last time he would answer questions about his playcalling last week.

Last time I’m going to bring up last game, OK? I got greedy, and I wanted the extra five yards. That’s why we tried to kick it out the back of the end zone. Simple as that, OK?

He has earlier addressed these issues as well as given himself an overall review. On Tuesday, Johnson admitted that he could have done a better job with the playcalling. He particularly highlighted the failed challenge. Johnson added:

I didn’t think I called a particularly great game. I could have adjusted a little bit better to the lack of pressure that Flo was giving us. And so I can do a better job there.

Ben Johnson and the Bears chase first win of the season against former team Detroit Lions

Ben Johnson returns to the Ford Field tomorrow as he and his new team Chicago Bears face Detroit Lions in a Sunday football game. The Lions, who also lost their first game against a dominant Green Bay Packers, are also looking for the first win of the season in their first home game.

Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson joined the Detroit Lions in 2019. (Image via Bleacher Report)

Playcalling wasn’t the sole issue for the Bears on Monday night when they played the Vikings. Their offense started strong but quickly unraveled amid repeated pre-snap penalties and quarterback Caleb Williams’ erratic throws. On the defensive end, they were quite solid in the first three quarters, but they too unraveled during the final minutes of the game.

The Bears’ defense started without three of their starters, and the depth issue was evident as they surrendered three fourth-quarter TDs. Heading into Week 2, the Bears will have Jaylon Johnson joining the roster. Johnson adds an extra layer of ammunition to their defense. The defense might be what can get the Bears their first win.

The Lions’ offense struggled in the first game against the Green Bay Packers’ defense, led by linebacker Micah Parsons. The Packers effectively stopped the Lions’ run game, and if the Bears can emulate that, they might be the better side of the score tomorrow. However, it won’t be that easy. The Bears are no Packers defense, and the Lions have some advantages.

Although Johnson might have some trump cards to use against his former team, the Lions are a more experienced and smoother roster. They have a much more seasoned quarterback, Jared Goff, paired with one of the best running back duos in the league. Aidan Hutchinson returning to form might solve their defensive issues to an extent. Last but not the least, the Ford Field would be buzzing, giving the Lions the ultimate home advantage.

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