Ben Johnson just completed his first rookie minicamp with the Chicago Bears. While it’s not the same as actively calling plays on the sidelines during a real game, Johnson at least now knows what it’s like at the top of the helm officially.
Johnson’s arrival has stirred up plenty of buzz surrounding the Bears. The franchise looked lost for years, and the bottom fell out midway through Matt Eberflus’ final season with the team. But now with Johnson, the Bears have life again, and there’s reason to believe in the franchise’s turnaround.
The head coach will now have an opportunity to reflect and consider how he wants to coach the remainder of the offseason program. Johnson plans to lean on his coaching staff and shake things up when necessary to ensure everyone on the Bears reaches their ceiling, via Chris Emma of 670 The Score.
“Varies,” Johnson said. “It varies based on what we’re seeing. A little bit of a counterbalance and a pendulum. As things go one direction, I like to try to keep things centered to a degree. I think you’ll see a lot of different personality styles come out, not just with me but with the rest of the coaching staff as well, as we work to get to know our players a little bit better and what they need to be pushed.”
Ben Johnson embracing first year with Chicago Bears
Through the entire offseason program, Johnson and his staff have one goal in mind. They want to set the new culture and foundation of the Bears. Analysts and fans are already clamoring for the playoffs. But with Chicago struggling for so long, Johnson at least wants to ensure there is a long-term gameplan in place.
At rookie minicamp, Johnson had an opportunity to see the young talent that is being infused on the roster. While Colston Loveland wasn’t able to participate, fellow rookies like Luther Burden, Ozzy Trapilo and Zah Frazier all opened eyes. For all of the participants, it was their first opportunity to prove to Johnson why they deserve to be on his debut Chicago roster.
Once training camp rolls around, the Bears will have plenty of decisions to make. Who is the starting left tackle? Who is the running back? How do all the pass catchers get fed? How Johnson answers those will sink or swim his rookie campaign in Chicago. But the Bears brought him in because they’re confident he understands what it takes to truly turn things around.
Still, for all the hype, Johnson still has a mountain in front of him. Chicago is coming off of a 5-12 season. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2020 and haven’t won a playoff game since 2010. While the idea of immediate success is easy to draw on paper, Johnson and the Bears must prove they’re the real deal.
Chicago will begin organized team activities on May 20. There, Johnson will once again have an opportunity to implement his new practice strategy. If it all goes to plan, the Bears will enter Week 1 stronger and ready to climb their way out of the NFC North cellar.
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