The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the NFL's best teams for the past several years, making the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons. They are a model of consistent excellence. However, something has gone horribly wrong this year. A horrific start to the season has seen them stumble to a 1-5 record. It is the worst start to a season in franchise history. Injuries have played a significant role in this, with several star players missing multiple games. One would think head coach Ben Johnson is eager for the Chicago Bears to take advantage of a weakened opponent.
Except he isn't that naive. The Bears' head coach was asked about the Ravens' situation on Wednesday. He did not rise to the bait. There was no mention of the losing record or the struggles. Johnson merely stated they're a much better football team than the past month suggests.
He also made sure to note that the team isn't fooled by this will-he-won't-he situation with Lamar Jackson. The star quarterback didn't practice on Monday after the bye week, leaving some to wonder if he might miss another game. Johnson has no intention of taking that chance. They're preparing as if Jackson will play.
Ben Johnson continues to show rapid maturity in handling the media.
It wasn't too long ago that he all but guaranteed a win going into the Detroit game, only to get blasted 52-21. That served as a stark reminder that a head coach should never give the opponent extra ammunition. Pro athletes often thrive on being doubted or dismissed as afterthoughts. Ben Johnson won't give Baltimore the satisfaction, even if his team has won four in a row and the Ravens are stumbling. He fully expects to get that team's best shot on Sunday.
It is a wise course of action. Baltimore is desperate. Another loss all but dooms their season. Only one team that has started 1-6 came back to make the playoffs. That was in 1970. It just doesn't happen these days. The Ravens need this game in the worst way. It will be all hands on deck, even if Jackson is still not 100%. Chicago must go in prepared for a fight, and it sounds like that is what Johnson plans on doing.
