Bears Coach Ben Johnson Addresses Controversial Calls in Packers Game

Bears coach Ben Johnson addressed the controversial penalties during the recent game against the Packers, labeling four of them as 'egregious.' According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Johnson pointed out that linebacker DMarco Jackson was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the opening kickoff return, and defensive end Austin Booker received a roughing-the-passer penalty twice, including a hit that caused Packers quarterback Jordan Love to leave the game due to a concussion.

Although Johnson defended Booker's hit as unintentional, he emphasized that the other penalties were preventable and detrimental to the team's performance. The Bears accumulated ten penalties for 105 yards, while the Packers had only four for 40 yards.

Johnson expressed the need for better discipline, especially in high-stakes rivalry games, stating, 'We want to play aggressive, and we want to be a very physical team, but at the same time, we can't hurt the team.' Additionally, he reflected on a late-game sequence that cost the Bears a timeout, admitting, 'That's 100% on me.

I have to do a better job coaching that.' This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Johnson faces in balancing aggression and discipline within the team.