Ben Johnson says Bears are “a different team” heading into Vikings rematch

Tony Crumpton · Senior Editor · 2 hours ago

CHICAGO - After a comeback win against the New York Giants, the Chicago Bears prepare for their rematch against the Minnesota Vikings this coming Sunday (Noon / FOX).

While this game may not have gone as planned the first time around, head coach Ben Johnson said this will not be anything like the first game.

“We’re a different team than we were week one and so is Minnesota. So, this will be a completely different matchup as far as I’m concerned,” Johnson said. “The trust level has grown for a number of players within our coaching staff. I think we really can hang our hat on a number of guys at this point and feel really good about what we’re going to get on game day.”

Chicago started by blowing an 11-point lead against the Vikings in quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s first-ever start in an NFL game. However, the Bears’ offense has made significant progress since then.

They have decreased their sacks, the run game has gotten going, and Chicago’s quarterback, Caleb Williams, has gotten more comfortable in the offense overall.

“I think the backs have a better feel for what we’re asking them to do. The o-line has started to gel. I think Caleb’s got a better understanding of what we’re getting done and then on defense, it’s really the same thing,” Johnson said. “I think the longer you’re in the scheme, the more comfortable you are in terms of what the coaches are asking you to do. I think, (up) front, (we have) done a better job of trying to play physical and shed blocks and that’s got to show up here for the second half of the season.”

The decrease in sacks is huge for Chicago. Williams was pummeled last season, getting sacked a total of 68 times for a loss of 466 yards. In contrast, he has only been sacked 14 times through the first nine games. There have been two games, including last week against New York, where Williams was not sacked at all. That did not happen in his rookie season.

While there are numerous factors that contribute to the decrease in sacks, Johnson said that part of it is the run game as well as all of the players being involved in protection.

“I think having a healthy running game certainly helps the pressure number because when a defense has respect for stopping your run game, then it certainly slows them down and their transition to pass rushers. So, that could be part of it. But, I got a lot of confidence in our o-line right now and what they’re doing,” Johnson said. “We’ve got some really clean pockets throughout. Tight ends are a big part of our protection scheme. So (are) our backs and even our receivers getting involved occasionally with our drop back pass game. So, I think it always starts there, but there’s no mistaking what Caleb can do. He just feels it and the way he evades, I think it’s second to none.”

Defensively, they have been ravaged by injury, especially in the secondary. Chicago’s top cornerbacks - Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon - remain on injured reserve. These injuries prompted the Bears to pick up free agent C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who has made an immediate impact with three sacks and a forced fumble in his first two games.

Given defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme, Johnson said Gardner-Johnson has been a good fit and he is also bringing a swagger to the locker room.

“I think like any relationship, it’s not just rainbows and sunshine all the time. But, you have to be honest. You got to be direct and I think all of our players respect that about our coaching staff and I think DA embodies that,” Johnson said. “He’s going to tell you when you’re doing it right and when you’re doing it wrong and so, CJ appreciates that and so, he’s only been here a couple of weeks and yet, I see a really good match for our team right now, our locker room,” Johnson said. “I (think) he’s got immense trust in DA. I think he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t feel that way about where he is in his career, that we can’t help him take him to another level as well. So, it’s a good thing and I think it’s good for our players too. I think they’re feeling this swagger and it’s starting to percolate a little bit through our whole building. So, it’s good.”