Bears coach Ben Johnson addresses momentum following comeback win
The Chicago Bears’ remarkable comeback victory against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16 was more than just a win; it was a crucial step in their pursuit of the NFC North title. This triumph not only bolstered their confidence ahead of future matchups, including a challenging encounter with the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday, but also sparked conversations about the concept of momentum in sports.
Momentum is not a week-to-week factor
Despite the excitement surrounding the Bears’ comeback, head coach Ben Johnson is cautious about attributing momentum to the victory. Johnson, who has consistently emphasized a week-by-week approach—focusing on going 1-0—believes that the idea of carrying momentum from one game to the next is more complex than it seems.
“I think it’s hard to go from week to week like that, necessarily,” Johnson shared, reflecting on his views about momentum. While he acknowledges that in-game momentum can play a significant role—where one successful play can energize the offense or defense and create a domino effect—he is less convinced that this energy translates to future games.
In-game dynamics vs. seasonal narratives
Johnson elaborated on the differences between momentum within a single game and the broader context of a season. “I do think within a game that certainly is a part of the game,” he explained. “You feed off of each other, and one play on special teams can piggyback onto the offense or defense. A turnover or takeaway can spiral into points for you on offense.”
However, when it comes to the entirety of a season, he remains grounded. “Each game’s its own story,” he noted, reiterating his belief that the unique circumstances of each matchup create distinct narratives that don’t necessarily rely on past performances.
Caleb Williams reflects on the comeback
Among those reflecting on the significance of the comeback was quarterback Caleb Williams, who expressed his thoughts on whether the game represented a signature moment in his career. “It was a great moment… I got a lot of great moments coming up,” he stated, hinting at his ambitions for what lies ahead.
As the Bears prepare for their next challenge against the 49ers, the focus remains on the present, with Johnson steering his team to embrace the lessons learned without getting lost in the allure of past victories.
