Episode Overview
Title: Ben Johnson – OC or Head Coach?
Podcast: Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola (312 Sports)
Date: September 10, 2025
Main Theme:
Dan and Matt break down the aftermath of the Chicago Bears’ opening night loss under new head coach Ben Johnson. The debate centers on whether Johnson is showing the qualities of a true NFL head coach or operating more like an offensive coordinator thrust into the top job. The hosts analyze Johnson’s first media session, his handling of in-game adversity, and his responses to pivotal moments, using extensive sound clips to illustrate their perspectives.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Immediate Takeaways from Ben Johnson’s First Loss
- Hosts’ Tone: Bluntly critical yet hopeful, mixing forensic breakdown with Bears-fan exasperation.
- Dan sets the context: Johnson was "completely out coached," and the team "was completely outplayed" in key moments, highlighting the pressure on Johnson to account for a disappointing debut ([00:20]).
2. Press Conference Dissection: Ben Johnson’s Coach Speak
- Opening Comments ([01:41]):
- Johnson stresses "effort wasn’t an issue," but "execution has got to improve, particularly there in the fourth quarter."
- Hosts’ Reaction: Classic coach deflection—blaming execution means the plan was fine, but the players failed.
- Quote:
“Execution’s got to improve. That means my plan is correct. They just have to carry out my plan better. Which, the irony of that, that's also coaching.”
—Dan Bernstein ([03:22])
3. Handling Player Development: “Still Getting to Know the Player"
- On Caleb Williams’ Accuracy ([04:32]):
- Johnson: “I’m still getting to know the player… I’ll see how I can help him through the play calls or what’s being said on the sideline.”
- Hosts’ Reaction: Alarmed by vagueness and detachment—“the player” instead of naming Caleb Williams. Suggests a concerning lack of connection.
- Discussion: Is it acceptable for a supposed offensive genius to still be “learning the player” weeks into the job? How long is the learning curve?
- Quote:
“As the head coach, you should know who Caleb Williams is by now... You should have known who Caleb Williams was before you took the job. That’s why you take the job.”
—Matt Abbatacola ([05:15])
4. Quarterback Usage & Pocket Dynamics
- On Caleb Williams Running ([08:42]):
- Johnson: “We needed those rushing yards… We were drying up a little bit there in the running game, and so he was able to help complement that and move the sticks.”
- Hosts’ Reading: Clear preference for Williams to stay in the pocket. His running is a bug, not a feature—it’s “necessitated by a broken pocket, not design.”
- Quote:
“It’s clear to me... The running game should take care of itself without needing quarterback rushing yards. The first thing he references is elusiveness in the pocket.”
—Dan Bernstein ([09:21])
5. In-Game Management: Timeouts & Challenges
-
Wasted Timeout ([12:00]):
- Johnson takes blame for a timeout: “I was late getting the call in. That's my own issue.”
- Hosts’ Challenge: Surprise at Johnson's self-blame—are excuses already being made for the rookie quarterback? Or is Johnson struggling to adapt to the broader head coach responsibilities?
- Quote:
“Is he already using up his shields—however many shots he can take for Caleb and say that’s not on him?”
—Dan Bernstein ([13:13])
-
Bad Challenge Decision ([15:08]):
- Johnson admits to being “a little influenced by people around me” on the sideline rather than trusting spotters upstairs—rookie mistake.
- Discussion: Importance of process and detachment in the heat of the moment.
6. Offensive Line/Run Game Issues
-
On O-Line Performance ([19:25]):
- Johnson admits: “We need more from our runners… I think in the run game, we were subpar overall and then protection had spurts of being really good and then other times where we didn’t give Caleb enough time.”
- Hosts’ Research:
- Matt brings receipts: In five prior matchups vs. Brian Flores, Ben Johnson’s running games (in Detroit) succeeded even against top defenses.
- Quote:
“You did it there. Why couldn't you do it here? Is it personnel, running back, O-line, or play calls? Or...you can’t properly identify who the mic is and set your blocking scheme accordingly?”
—Dan Bernstein ([25:11])
-
Run Game Breakdown ([21:34]):
- Johnson blames lack of synchronization in identifying "the mic," creating problems versus a "multiplicity of fronts."
- Hosts Appreciate Honesty:
“I really appreciate that honest answer... that you’re not on the same page because you’re getting the most important identification that you can have pre snap wrong.”
—Dan Bernstein ([23:00])
7. Defensive Adjustments—Who Really Won at Halftime?
- Johnson claims Vikings’ DC Brian Flores made few halftime changes, sticking mostly to a four-man rush ([26:00]).
- Hosts Disagree: Both Dan and Matt insist the defensive approach changed significantly, with pressures and coverage disguises creating havoc in the second half ([26:50] – [27:40]).
8. Communication & Injury Issues
-
Kyler Gordon “Tightness” Timeline ([27:58]):
- Johnson’s explanation raises questions—player felt tightness all week, told trainers late. Are communication lines robust enough?
-
D.J. Moore’s Injury Status ([29:29]):
- Inconsistencies as Johnson initially claims “no significant injuries,” then admits he hadn’t seen the official report, only had texted with Moore.
- Quote:
“So, again, hold on. You started out the press conference by saying there were no injuries, and you haven’t gotten the injury report yet…”
—Dan Bernstein ([29:43])
9. Late-Game Clock & Rule Management
- Kickoff Rule Mixups ([31:29]):
- Johnson: “Felt like we could kick it out of the back. We weren’t able to get that done. In hindsight, I should have kicked it out of bounds.”
- Hosts Debate New NFL Rules: Time management, new kickoff rules, and possible tactical improvements.
10. Momentum, Accountability & Coach Mentality
- On Momentum Swings and Losing Control ([34:42]):
-
Johnson: “When it rains, it pours sometimes… Once one bad thing happens, if you’re not careful, that can also be contagious as well and catch fire. And that’s what happened…”
-
Hosts Critique: This sounds passive, not the voice of a coach who takes charge. Coaches are supposed to arrest and reverse negative trends, not shrug about them.
-
Quote:
“That’s in your control as a coach… Your job is to take advantage. Arrest any sort of erosion of good feeling and make sure that everybody’s mentally prepared to not have that happen.”
—Dan Bernstein ([35:26]) -
Memorable Analogy:
“Put that shit out before it catches fire, man. Before it spreads.”
—Matt Abbatacola ([38:05])
-
11. High Standards, Learning Curve & Emotional Takeaways
- Host Matt’s Perspective: Admits his standards for Johnson were the highest he’s had for any Bears coach—possibly too high for a first-time head coach ([41:09]).
- Dan Offers Perspective: Emphasizes it’s still only one game—a long season ahead.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On coaching accountability:
“I don’t need aphorisms from the side of a salt shaker. You’re the smart offensive guy. Sometimes it rains; sometimes it pours? I want answers.”
—Dan Bernstein ([37:03]) -
On rookie learning curve:
“He’s smart enough to know what he doesn’t know. He’s going to learn. He’s going to be better. There is... it’s not unreasonable to expect things to improve. And this is me talking.”
—Dan Bernstein ([40:01]) -
On expectations:
“The standards that I have set for Ben Johnson are the highest that I've had for a Bears coach in my lifetime... Maybe I’m expecting too much of a guy who's still learning how to be an NFL head coach.”
—Matt Abbatacola ([41:32], [42:07])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Opening Critique of Ben Johnson: [00:20]
- Ben Johnson’s Press Conference: Opening statement: [01:41]
- Discussion: Johnson calling Caleb 'the player': [05:01]
- Caleb Williams’ running ability: [08:42]
- Timeout Wasted (Timeout/Play call issue): [12:00]
- Challenge Flag Decision: [15:08]
- O-Line and Run Game Issues: [19:25], [24:03]
- Breakdown of Flores matchups: [24:03]
- Defensive Adjustments: [26:00]
- Kyler Gordon’s Injury Timeline: [27:58]
- DJ Moore injury confusion: [29:29]
- End-of-game clock management/kickoff: [31:29]
- On losing momentum ('when it rains it pours'): [34:42]
- Hosts reflect on setting standards: [41:09]
- Closing thoughts on learning curve: [42:07]
Final Thoughts
Summary:
The episode offers a sharp, emotionally honest, and deeply informed dissection of Ben Johnson’s first week as Bears head coach. While Johnson’s analytical strengths and willingness to take blame are noted, Dan and Matt question whether he’s ready to command a complete NFL program—or whether his press conference "OC mode" signals a longer, rockier transition to head coach. The hosts weigh their own expectations, caution patience, but voice the collective anxiety of Chicago’s football faithful.
For Listeners:
A must-listen for fans grappling with hope, doubt, and déjà vu—and anyone tracking the unique challenges of a promising coordinator stepping into the head coach spotlight.