Ben Johnson Critiques Bears’ Passing Game Despite Top NFC Seed
Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, is not one to revel in the team’s current success. With a record of 9-3 and the top seed in the NFC following a recent win and a Los Angeles Rams loss, Johnson remains grounded and focused on the challenges that lie ahead.
A Cautious Perspective
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Johnson emphasized that the Bears still have significant room for improvement. “Doesn’t mean anything,” he remarked regarding their No. 1 seed. “There’s five games left. We’ve got a long ways to go. We have not been guaranteed a spot in the tournament yet. We have to earn that right. And the only way you can earn that right is by finding a way to win the next game. That’s where our sole focus is.”
His words reflect a commitment to maintaining a winning mindset, despite the apparent success. Johnson’s cautious approach stems from a keen awareness of the team’s offensive struggles, particularly in the passing game.
Concerns Over Passing Performance
While Caleb Williams showcased his talent with a standout touchdown pass against the Eagles, Johnson is not satisfied with the overall consistency of the passing offense. Williams’ completion rate stands at a mere 58.1%, placing him 40th among quarterbacks with over 117 dropbacks. This figure would mark the lowest completion percentage for a quarterback leading a playoff-bound team since Andrew Luck in 2012.
Although some of the Bears’ passing issues can be attributed to dropped passes, other statistics reveal deeper concerns. Williams ranks 32nd in the league for on-target throw percentage, according to Pro Football Reference.
A Work in Progress
Despite these challenges, the Bears have managed to secure victories, with Williams compensating through big plays and aggressive downfield passing. However, Johnson remains unsatisfied, stating, “Everybody has a role to play to get this pass game cleaned up. It’s not where it needs to be. We’re winning in spite of our passing game, not because of it. And none of us are pleased with that.”
When asked about the need to improve Williams’ completion percentage, Johnson acknowledged the discussions surrounding the passing game. He noted that Friday’s game presented difficult throwing conditions. To address these issues, he emphasized the need for fundamental correctness in their approach to the passing game.
As the Bears prepare for the final stretch of the season, Johnson’s focus on improvement serves as a reminder that success in the NFL often requires continuous growth, even in the face of current accomplishments.
