The Chicago Bears released footage of Ben Johnson mic'd up during the big win over the New Orleans Saints last Sunday. What stood out from it was how incredibly unemotional he was. Regardless of the situation, be it a touchdown or a turnover, his facial expression never changed. They talk about good coaches being the ones who can handle the highs and lows. Johnson appears to have that quality. Also included were clips of him calling plays. During one brief sequence, the head coach sent one out that caught people by surprise.
It was called George McCaskey.
It isn't uncommon for coaches to have plays named after certain people, places, or things. Everybody remembers Johnson's "Stumblebum" trick play that caught the Bears off guard for a touchdown last year. Still, having one for the team's owner is certainly interesting. People grew curious about what the play was. Johnson was finally asked about it on Friday. His answer was fitting.
With 9:49 left in the 2nd quarter, Chicago faced 3rd and 2. The play was a classic outside power run by Roschon Johnson that went for 11 yards. It was a call that would've made McCaskey's grandfather, George Halas, proud. The Bears scored on the next play to go up 13-0.
Ben Johnson gave a nod to Bears history with that one.
Halas built his Hall of Fame legacy on playing tough, physical football. That meant running the ball with power. It began with Red Grange and Bronko Nagurski, then shifted to George McAfee, Rick Casares, and Gale Sayers, before culminating in Walter Payton. Few head coaches have a deeper appreciation for old-school football than Ben Johnson, which might be surprising given his innovative offensive mind. He believes in marrying traditional styles with a new-wave approach. The "George McCaskey" was a taste of classic Bears football, the way its namesake would've loved.
It's father fitting it wasn't named after a trick play, as is usually the tradition. Chicago isn't normally known for such things. They're at their best playing in-your-face football. That play was a perfect example. Here's hoping Johnson has a few more fun ones cooked up for the coming weeks.
