I watched that Cowboys game with pride because it wasn’t just a win, it was proof that leadership, accountability, and preparation still matter in football. As I replayed it on my iPad, I couldn’t help but smile seeing what Ben Johnson has brought to this organization. He’s doing something special. This was his first win as a head coach, and the moment the players gave him the game ball, you could see how much they respect him. The locker room erupted, not because of the score, but because they knew they had earned it together. Earlier in the week, Ben had called the team out publicly, saying our practice habits weren’t up to championship standards. Those are things most coaches keep behind closed doors. But he wasn’t afraid to be honest, and instead of tuning him out, the players responded. They practiced with purpose, and that shift showed up on the field, disciplined, fast, and physical. That’s what real leadership looks like.
From a coaching perspective, Ben Johnson’s play calling against Dallas was masterful. He was playing Madden out there, manipulating coverages, setting traps, and creating explosive plays with a calm, calculated rhythm. He didn’t overload Caleb Williams with too much responsibility, he simplified the plan and let his quarterback play free and confident. Every call felt intentional. The defense complemented the offense perfectly, staying disciplined in their assignments and forcing turnovers that flipped the game. This wasn’t luck, this was coaching. Johnson called one of the most complete games of the season, balancing aggression with poise. He showed he’s not just a coordinator turned head coach, he’s a leader with a vision.
Now, as the Bears prepare to head to Las Vegas, I can feel something building. This game won’t be easy, the Raiders play with a lot of emotion, and their star defensive captain brings relentless pressure. Their home crowd feeds off that energy, and that stadium can get loud enough to shake a young quarterback. But here’s why I think we’re going to win, Ben Johnson understands tempo and matchups better than most rookie head coaches I’ve seen. He’ll control the rhythm early, use misdirection to neutralize that front, and keep Caleb comfortable with short, precise reads. I expect the Bears to face adversity in this one, but I also expect them to overcome it. This will be a tough, gritty win, the kind that defines a team’s identity. I believe Ben Johnson and this locker room are starting to believe in something bigger than one victory. They’re learning how to win the right way, and that belief will carry them to another one in Las Vegas.
-Coach CJ
