Ben Johnson’s Timeout Misstep Costs Bears in Debut Loss to Vikings
The first game under new head coach Ben Johnson was a mix of promise and pitfalls for the Chicago Bears, culminating in a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field.
A Promising Start
For a brief moment, the atmosphere in Chicago was electric. Quarterback Caleb Williams showcased his dual-threat capability, making impressive plays both through the air and on the ground. The Bears surged ahead with a quick 7-0 lead, igniting hopes among fans that this season could herald a new beginning. However, the euphoria was short-lived as reality set in during the subsequent 53 minutes of the game.
Challenges Unfolding
As the game progressed, Williams’ performance became erratic. His decision-making and accuracy faltered, and the Bears’ defense struggled to maintain its intensity, particularly in the fourth quarter. Johnson, heralded as an offensive mastermind, faced his own set of challenges, displaying vulnerabilities that come with being a rookie head coach.
A Critical Timeout Mistake
In the final two minutes, with the Bears trailing by three points, Johnson faced a critical decision. The team needed a timeout to stop the clock and strategize for a potential game-tying field goal. Unfortunately, a costly blunder from Johnson robbed them of that opportunity. He opted to challenge a play involving Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, who was clearly down by contact before a fumble occurred. This was a decision that even ESPN commentators Joe Buck and Troy Aikman deemed ill-fated.
Reflecting on the mistake, Johnson acknowledged, “I thought I saw knees up, and so that’s on me. I’ve got to do a better job listening to the guys up top. You know, I get influenced a little bit for the first time with the people around me, and I’ve just got to stay true to the process.”
A Missed Opportunity
Despite regaining possession of the ball, the Bears found themselves in a precarious position, limited to executing a desperate, chaotic play with multiple laterals. With an additional timeout, they might have had a shot at moving closer to field goal range. Instead, the game slipped away, leaving Johnson and the Bears to ponder what could have been.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on this opening game, questions loom large over the Bears’ strategy and execution. The frustrations of the night underscore the learning curve ahead for Johnson. While the Bears showed flashes of brilliance, the need for refinement is evident if they hope to turn the tide in the upcoming weeks.
