Ben Johnson Brings Gamer’s Mentality to Bears’ Real-Life Turnaround

When Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson draws up plays, there is often a creative flair that resembles video game strategy more than traditional NFL playbooks. That approach isn’t accidental. Johnson, a longtime fan of the Madden franchise growing up, has openly embraced the influence those virtual seasons had on his understanding of team building. His affinity was especially strong for franchise mode, where users take over struggling teams and rebuild them from the ground up.

In many ways, Johnson stepped into a real-life version of that challenge when he accepted the Bears’ head coaching job. Chicago entered the season burdened by years of inconsistency, lacking postseason success since their 2010 playoff win and missing the playoffs altogether for three consecutive years. The expectations were modest, and the organization needed a reset.

Through 10 games, however, Johnson has dramatically shifted the Bears’ outlook. Chicago sits atop the NFC North at 7–3 heading into Week 12, exceeding preseason projections and emerging as one of the league’s pleasant surprises. Much of the turnaround stems from strategic clarity, improved execution, and a fresh offensive identity.

The Bears still face a demanding schedule in the final stretch, but Johnson’s early impact has reinvigorated the franchise, providing both short-term success and a long-term blueprint Chicago believes in.

1. A Coach Shaped by Franchise Mode

Johnson’s enthusiasm for Madden wasn’t about flashy highlights—it was about building something sustainable. He often chose the weakest teams in franchise mode, relishing the challenge of transforming them into winners over multiple virtual seasons. That mindset of development, patience, and systematic improvement has carried over into his coaching philosophy. Upon arriving in Chicago, Johnson encountered a roster with talent but lacking consistency. Years of offensive instability, frequent coaching changes, and uneven quarterback play had prevented the Bears from gaining traction. Johnson treated the situation with the same approach he once applied in Madden: identify strengths, address weaknesses, and implement a cohesive vision. While the real world is far more complicated than a video game simulation, Johnson’s emphasis on structure and adaptability quickly resonated with players. His willingness to experiment—within reason—helped energize a team that had grown accustomed to conservative decision-making. As the Bears embraced his methods, Johnson’s Madden-inspired creativity became a competitive advantage rather than a novelty.

2. Offense Transformed Under Johnson

One of the most dramatic shifts under Johnson has occurred on the offensive side of the ball. In 2024, Chicago finished last in total offense, averaging just 284.6 yards per game. Now, the Bears rank fourth in the NFL at 373.6 yards per game, a leap that underscores significant improvement both in scheme and execution. Johnson implemented a balanced, motion-heavy system designed to create mismatches and simplify reads for his quarterback. The result has been a more efficient attack capable of stretching defenses vertically and horizontally. Explosive plays—which were virtually nonexistent last season—have become a routine element of Chicago’s weekly production. Players have credited Johnson for his communication style and ability to tailor concepts to their strengths. The offense has shown discipline in its pre-snap adjustments, strategic aggression on early downs, and improved timing in the passing game. While sustaining this level of production over a full season remains a challenge, the Bears’ offensive resurgence is one of the clearest indicators of Johnson’s impact.

3. Caleb Williams and the Promise of a New Era

A major piece of Chicago’s newfound momentum is rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who has benefited from Johnson’s detailed approach to development. Williams’ ability to extend plays, throw with anticipation, and process quickly has given the Bears a dynamic centerpiece around which to build their offense. Johnson’s system has helped accelerate Williams’ transition to the NFL, offering structured reads while still allowing room for improvisation. The partnership has shown early signs of long-term potential, highlighted by improved decision-making and growing command of the offense. Behind the scenes, Johnson has emphasized fundamentals, film study, and situational awareness—elements he often honed while passing virtual seasons in Madden franchise mode. Williams has responded well, giving Chicago stability at a position that had long been a source of uncertainty. If the connection between coach and quarterback continues to strengthen, the Bears could be entering their most promising period in more than a decade.