The Chicago Bears are riding a solid winning streak, sitting at 2-2 heading into their early-season bye week. The team has secured victories over the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys but suffered losses to the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, leaving them with an even record at 2-2.
This year’s Chicago Bears team looks different, led by new head coach Ben Johnson, who arrived from the Detroit Lions. As with any new coaching regime, it will take time for him to fully connect with his players, but optimism is high that Johnson’s offensive creativity can help turn the Bears into contenders once more.
Some have suggested that the Lions would feel the loss of Johnson this season, given his reputation for innovative play-calling and strong offensive design. But one NFL insider believes Detroit hasn’t missed a beat without him and isn’t exactly longing for its former offensive coordinator these days.
Do the Lions Actually Miss Former Coordinator Ben Johnson?
In the Week 5 NFL power rankings released Tuesday, September 30, analyst Ralph Vacchiano shared a notable thought about Johnson while ranking the Lions at No. 3.
“The Lions put up 34 points against a tough Browns defense and have scored 124 total points over their last three games,” Vacchiano wrote. “It doesn’t appear Detroit is missing ex-offensive coordinator Ben Johnson much.”
That sums it up: “It doesn’t appear Detroit is missing former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson much,” he reiterated.
Of course, that’s simply his take, so fans can decide how much weight to give it. The Bears have now posted two straight wins, and Johnson seems to be finding chemistry with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, so better days may be ahead for Chicago.
Vacchiano placed the Bears at No. 19 in his rankings, writing, “I want to like this team more, but it took three Geno Smith interceptions and a blocked field goal for the Bears to barely edge the Raiders on Sunday. It counts, but I need to see more — especially from Caleb Williams — before moving them higher.”
It almost sounds like Vacchiano is skeptical of the Bears, right? Still, opinions are just that — opinions. What truly matters is how Chicago performs once they return to the field after the bye week.
More NFL Discussion Surrounding the Chicago Bears
In another set of Week 5 NFL power rankings, released Tuesday, September 30, writer Eric Edholm ranked the Bears at No. 18 and offered his own analysis.
“The Bears enter their bye with two crucial wins to reach 2-2, thanks to a game-saving field-goal block,” Edholm explained. “The thrilling victory over the Raiders in Las Vegas gave the team valuable learning moments. Chicago had trouble stopping the run outside short-yardage plays, and the offense struggled to sustain drives or finish red-zone trips (1-for-4).”
He continued, “Still, Caleb Williams delivered key big plays when it mattered, and the pass protection held firm, even with Maxx Crosby trying to dominate early on.”
Hearing praise about Williams’ “big plays” is encouraging for Chicago fans — and they’ll hope to see even more after the break.
