Ben Johnson Makes Bold Bears Claim After Coaching Jared Goff in Detroit

Ben Johnson believes that the Chicago Bears players are more selfless than other teams in the NFL.

Ben Johnson Makes Bold Bears Claim After Coaching Jared Goff in Detroit

Bears head coach Ben Johnson (Image via IMAGO)

Ben Johnson earned praise from all corners after the Chicago Bears took down the Philadelphia Eagles without Caleb Williams. 38-year-old veteran Case Keenum stepped in and led the Bears to a memorable victory.

Johnson highlighted that every player on the Bears team contributed to the win over Philly. The “selfless” nature of the players is a big part of their success.

Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was “itching” to stay on the field during punt returns as an additional blocker. Johnson recalled that veteran Joe Thuney asked to be put on special teams so he could block field goals. The head coach spoke about his team’s willingness to win in the simplest manner possible.

“Everyone just wants to contribute,” Ben Johnson said via Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team.

Regardless of how it’s viewed, it’s rare for a 3x Super Bowl-winning guard to request to play on special teams. Thuney is arguably the best player in his position and has been since his Patriots days.

The veteran has blocked for Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and now for Williams. On Monday, he protected Keenum from the Eagles’ pass rush.

Keenum stole the headlines, considering it was his first regular-season game in more than 1000 days, and he performed like a seasoned campaigner.

But most people overlooked that the defense conceded just 7 points and forced multiple turnovers, including an interception. The pass rush landed several hits on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts was also sacked twice and the Eagles Kicker Jake Elliott didn’t kick a single field goal.

The Bears gig isn’t Johnson’s first rodeo. He has coached offenses in other places with great success. For example, he delivered two straight NFC North titles to Detroit during his final two seasons.

Quarterback Jared Goff established himself as a top signal caller during that time. It raises the question: did Johnson never get the same level of commitment from Lions players as his current team? Fans have to wait until November for a clear answer.

Before that, the Bears host the New York Jets. Johnson will reunite with his former Detroit Lions colleague Aaron Glenn, who now coaches the Gang Green.

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Williams hurt himself in Week 2 against Minnesota and was carted off. He was seen jumping around when Keenum delivered the killer blow to Philly, so many thought the former first overall draft pick had recovered from his knock.

Ben Johnson Makes Bold Bears Claim After Coaching Jared Goff in Detroit
Ben Johnson and #18 Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (Image via IMAGO)

Johnson refused to comment on who will start against the Jets earlier in the week. However, on Thursday, the Bears announced that backup Tyson Bagent will start under center on October 4.

Bagent replaced Williams and suffered a head injury late in the game. Johnson had no other option but to start Keenum on MNF. Reporters asked Bagent whether he was disappointed to miss the Eagles game.

There’s a couple ways to think about it. Obviously, I would like everything that the football world can offer me. But then there’s also the part that I am from Shepherd University, so I have absolutely zero ego in this and nobody is a bigger cheerleader and a fan of Case Keenum than I am.

Tyson Bagent said via Chicago media’s Mason Williams.

Bagent was a superstar at the D2 level for the Shepherd Rams. Bagent finished college as the D2’s most prolific quarterback. He holds all the major records—most completions (1,400), most passing yards (17,034), and most touchdowns (159).

He joined the Bears after going undrafted in 2023. Ahead of the 2025 season, the general manager re-signed Bagent for two more years.

The Bears lead the series 9-4 over the Jets. However, the Jets won the last fixture in 2022. Back then, Bears quarterback Trevor Siemian threw for 179 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Jets quarterback Mike White went for 315 yards and 2 touchdowns, helping the Jets win 31-10.

Currently, the Jets are 1-2 after losing to the Lions last week. The Bears are 3.5-point favorites to win against the Jets.

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