The New England Patriots defense will have its hands full on Thursday trying to stop the Chicago Bears offense. Not only do the Bears boast a plethora of targets with an elite quarterback, but they also have offensive mastermind Ben Johnson as a head coach.
This afternoon, New England’s head coach Mike Vrabel spoke on the challenges that come with preparing for Johnson’s offense.
“There’s a lot of volume. They do a lot of things well, and you’ll have to be prepared for some unscouted looks,” said Vrabel.
“He stays aggressive. Has a lot of faith in those guys on fourth down. He marries up formations and motions.”
Ben Johnson Offensive Mastermind
Ben Johnson-led offensive units have always ranked among the NFL’s best.
From 2022-2024, when he was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, the Lions offense finished in the top five in both total yards and points scored every season.
It helps as well that Johnson had three Pro Bowl skill players in running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and tight end Sam LaPorta.
The trend has continued in Chicago. Last season, the Bears were sixth in total yards and ninth in points scored, and through six games this season, they rank second in total yards and ninth in total points.
While none of Chicago’s skill players have the pedigree of the Lions’ weapons, they are much younger and just getting their feet wet in the NFL. Between the 2024 and 2025 drafts, Chicago overhauled its passing game by spending early draft picks on wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, along with tight end Colston Loveland, to complement quarterback Caleb Williams.
Thursday Outlook
New England has a difficult task ahead of it on Thursday, and Ben Johnson’s offense will put up points. The key for the Patriots will be the defense’s ability to get the Bears offense off the field on third downs and get the football into the hands of quarterback Drake Maye.
