Bears coach Ben Johnson reflects on mistakes amid fan frustration in narrow defeat
Ben Johnson acknowledges the frustrations of Bears fans following a narrow loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The new head coach openly admitted to several missteps during Monday night’s 27-24 defeat, noting that these errors cost the team valuable timeouts and critical moments on the clock.
Embracing Fan Passion
As the final whistle blew, it was clear that the discontent from the stands was palpable. Johnson acknowledged the boos that echoed through Soldier Field, seeing them as a testament to the deep-rooted passion of Chicago sports fans.
“Yeah, I heard it,” he said. “I think that’s the beauty of this city. They love their sports. I embrace it. It’s a big reason I wanted to come here. These people care. They want a good product. They’re desperate for a winner.”
Johnson expressed that the disappointment was mutual, particularly after the team had a chance to secure a win heading into the fourth quarter. “We certainly had a chance there going into the fourth quarter, and to walk away with a loss? I think everyone is disappointed,” he added.
Owning Up to Mistakes
In an unusual display of transparency, Johnson took full responsibility for his errors. His self-reflection echoed the accountability that has sometimes been elusive within NFL coaching circles. Among the critical moments he highlighted was a failed fourth-and-3 attempt while the Bears were ahead 7-3.
The play, which saw quarterback Caleb Williams overthrow a wide-open DJ Moore, was not the gamble itself that Johnson regretted, but rather the timeout he wasted before the play. “The timeout itself, I was late getting the call in, and that’s my own issue,” Johnson explained. “We knew we wanted to go for it. We felt good about that call. Caleb and I talked about it this afternoon; that’s one of the few throws he would like to have back.”
Looking Ahead
As Johnson reflects on the lessons from this defeat, he remains focused on improving the team’s execution moving forward. The Bears are aiming to channel the frustrations of their fans into motivation, hoping to turn the tide in future games. With the bye week approaching, Johnson recognizes the importance of making necessary adjustments to ensure that the team can deliver the results that Chicago fans are yearning for.
