Chicago Bears' Offense Gains Confidence Under Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears are experiencing a notable resurgence in their offensive performance under head coach Ben Johnson, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. As the Bears prepare for a matchup against the New York Giants, Johnson emphasizes the importance of not underestimating their opponent despite the Giants' 2-7 record.

He acknowledges that the Giants have faced tough competition and have playmakers capable of posing a significant threat. Johnson highlights the quarterback change in New York, noting that rookie Jaxson Dart has injected energy into their offense, making the upcoming game a substantial challenge for the Bears.

Under Johnson's leadership, the Bears have shown marked improvement, ranking sixth in the NFL in points scored and fourth in total yards. They are also among the top teams in both rushing and passing, a feat achieved without any player performing at an exceptionally high level.

Quarterback Caleb Williams currently ranks 19th in passer rating, while running back DAndre Swift and wide receiver Rome Odunze are also positioned in the mid-range of their respective categories. Johnson's offense scored an impressive 47 points against the Bengals, despite key players being absent, showcasing the depth and resilience of the team.

Johnson's strategy emphasizes a balanced offensive attack with a combination of one quarterback, two running backs, and multiple wide receivers, contrasting the previous schemes under Marc Trestman and Matt Nagy.

The Bears' rushing game has been particularly effective, averaging 186.5 yards over the last four games, which could be pivotal against a Giants defense that has struggled against the run. Additionally, the potential return of Swift, along with the recovery of other key offensive players, could further enhance the Bears' capabilities.

On the defensive side, the Bears lead the NFL with 13 takeaways, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on turnovers, but they will face a test against Dart's mobility and the Giants' offense. The comparison between Williams and Dart adds another layer of intrigue to the game, with both quarterbacks having a shared history at USC.

Williams, who was once the top prospect, finds himself in a competitive landscape with other quarterbacks from the 2024 draft class, as highlighted in the Sun-Times. As they face off, Williams is eager to prove himself under Johnson's guidance and to show that he can elevate his game to the level expected of a franchise quarterback.

The Bears' offensive resurgence under Johnson provides a renewed sense of hope for their season, as they aim to establish consistency and improve their standings in the highly competitive NFL landscape.