Ben Johnson
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Ben Johnson is gaining early award buzz.
The Chicago Bears play their most crucial game of the regular season on Black Friday, November 28th. The Bears may sit in a favorable position, but they still have a lot to prove. They went out on a limb and brought in a rookie coach, Ben Johnson. However, Johnson has done nothing but prove the naysayers wrong all season.
Johnson may be a rookie head coach, but his talents are now being recognized across the NFL. Before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Johnson is getting the greatest news a rookie coach could get — recognition in the form of buzz as Coach of the Year.
Ben Johnson a Frontrunner For Coach of the Year
While speaking on 670 The Score, Mike Florio had high praise for Johnson.
“It’s amazing what he’s done,” Florio of Profootballtalk said to the hosts in a social media clip. “Last year, this coach, out of the blue, texted and said, ‘This guy is the best play designer and play caller in the NFL right now. And it’s not close between him and number two.”
Florio believes it’s too early to tell whether Johnson can walk away with the Coach of the Year honors at season’s end. However, in his eyes, it’s a two-horse race.
“Right now, if we were doing the vote today, it’s going to be (Mike) Vrabel and Ben Johnson, with Vrabel probably winning it,” Florio said. “But there’s still part of the season left to be played. It all comes down to where the Bears finish. If they win the division, it’s going to be him or Mike Vrabel.”
Ben Johnson Has Put the NFL on Notice
Not only are other coaches taking note of Johnson’s abilities, but the league as a whole is developing a growing appreciation for them. NFL Network reporter Stacey Dales also appeared on 670 The Score to share more details on how other organizations view the Bears.
“They are very, very, highly regarded around the league right now,” Dales said on the Mully & Haugh show. “Ben has the league on alert, and it’s palpable around the NFL.”
Part of what has the NFL on alert is how quarterback Caleb Williams is responding to Johnson’s coaching.
“The Bears are doing exactly what Ben Johnson is asking them to do. And it starts with Caleb offensively,” Dales said. “He’s handing the ball off, he’s executing the offense. The accuracy, is it there? I mean, he’s 59 percent completion percentage. It’s not been great, but he’s doing what Ben is asking him to do.”
“He’s taking the coaching, and he’s applying it, and the Bears are 8-3.”
Friday’s Game Against the Philadelphia Eagles Won’t Be Easy
In another clip, Dales explained that the Eagles aren’t taking the Bears lightly. The reigning Super Bowl champions are on high alert, which is a double-edged sword for Chicago.
“I’ve been on the phone this morning with some Eagles people, and the respect they have for the Chicago Bears is awesome,” Dales said. “If the Eagles lose this game on Friday, all hell will break loose in Philadelphia. They cannot afford to lose this game, because of the way they play, because of the 21-point lead they blew against Dallas, it’s another NFC opponent.”
“But Chicago now has the respect of this league.”
Having their respect means they will likely face the best the Eagles have to offer. However, the players have bought into what Johnson is telling them. Because of this, the Bears will be ready for whatever Philadelphia throws at them.
There might still be games to play, but things are looking really good for Johnson’s chances of winning Coach of the Year.