Ben Johnson’s Challenge with Short Week Struggles
The Chicago Bears find themselves grappling with a daunting obstacle as they approach a crucial matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Head Coach Ben Johnson faces the daunting reality of a short work week following a Monday night game—a challenge that has historically proven to be a formidable hurdle for NFL teams.
Short Week Woes
The Bears’ recent performance in Detroit serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties that accompany a condensed preparation period. Following Monday night games, teams often experience a decline in performance, and the statistics bear this out. This season alone, teams are struggling with a 5-9 record after competing on a Monday night, highlighting the inherent challenges of limited practice time.
Johnson’s own record illustrates this trend. As either an offensive coordinator or head coach, his teams have managed a 4-5 record in games following a short week, translating to a modest .444 winning percentage. In contrast, his teams have thrived with a full week of preparation, boasting an impressive 72.9% win rate in those scenarios. The stark difference raises questions about what the Bears can realistically achieve against the Saints with such limited time to prepare.
Optimism Amidst Adversity
Despite these challenges, Johnson remains optimistic about his team’s potential. After securing a victory against Washington, he reflected on the growth of the Bears, emphasizing the importance of resilience. “Really on all three phases, we still haven’t played the best football that we’re capable of playing yet,” Johnson noted. “That’s what’s encouraging to me as a coach is when it’s ugly, we’re still finding a way to win, we’re developing that belief.”
This sense of optimism, however, faces a significant test in the upcoming clash with New Orleans. Johnson’s acknowledgment of the need for improvement suggests that while the Bears have shown grit, they are still searching for their best form. The question now looms: can they overcome the odds and find a way to excel despite the challenges of a short week?
Looking Ahead
As the Bears prepare for Sunday’s game, survival may be the primary objective. Johnson’s teams have historically faced difficulties when time is limited, and the stakes are high against a competitive Saints squad. The upcoming encounter will not only test the Bears’ resolve but also challenge Johnson’s ability to adapt under pressure.
In a league where preparation is paramount, the Bears will have to navigate the complexities of a short week while striving for improvement. As they gear up to face New Orleans, the focus will be on resilience and finding a path to success amidst the constraints of time.
