The Chicago Bears knew they had to take care of business on Sunday. They were at home coming off a loss to the Green Bay Packers. It was the 3-10 Cleveland Browns, who were beset by tons of injuries. This wasn't just a game they should win, but one they should win handily. Sure enough, they set the tone in the first quarter with two touchdown drives, taking a commanding 14-3 lead into halftime. From there, it spiraled for Cleveland as the Bears poured it on until it was a 31-3 blowout. One would think head coach Ben Johnson would be thrilled about that.
He was not.
Don't get it twisted. Johnson was happy to get the win. However, it was apparent he felt the game shouldn't have even been that close. His comments in the post-game presser made that clear.
He's not wrong. The Bears' defense was burned deep a couple of times and probably should've given up a touchdown pass in the second half before Jaylon Johnson ripped it away. Caleb Williams, despite a good game, still left too many incompletions on the field. The blocking up front wasn't always crisp despite facing a depleted Browns front. Chicago won by 28, but probably should've won by 48.
Ben Johnson is keeping the perfect mentality.
One of the worst things a head coach can do is make it seem as if their players are doing everything right. It is vital to let them know that nothing is ever good enough. Not until you're hoisting that Lombardi trophy. Beating up the Browns was a good thing. It helped the Bears get over their frustrating loss to the Packers last week and kept them in control of their playoff destiny. That said, Ben Johnson isn't a fool. That kind of effort would've failed against the better teams in the league. More remains to clean up.
Hall of Fame legend Don Shula was notorious for this approach. His players always grumbled that there was never any pleasing him. He could make blowout wins feel like losses. It wasn't because Shula was mean or vindictive. He merely understood that champions were built through tireless preparation. Johnson is built much the same way. He'll celebrate the wins, but don't expect him to be satisfied with them. His mathematical brain always seeks perfection. That is a good thing for this organization.
