Ben Johnson Orchestrated A Drive That May Have Changed The Bears' Season

The Chicago Bears were 0-2. Their season was already on life support as they returned to Soldier Field fresh off their 52-21 drubbing in Detroit. Many proclaimed this team a lost cause. Even though the Dallas Cowboys came in banged up, most still felt their potent offense would run the Bears out of the building. However, head coach Ben Johnson had no intention of lying down without a fight. He had the team practice hard all week, instilling prizefight mentality in the players. Dallas might win, but they were going to pay a price for it.

Instead, the Bears seized control from the jump. After punting on the opening series, Caleb Williams got things going with a 35-yard strike to Rome Odunze for a touchdown. Then on the next play of the following series, he found Luther Burden on a 65-yard flea flicker for another. Chicago held the lead into the second half, where they took possession with ten minutes to go in the 3rd quarter. It was 24-14. Johnson knew the team couldn't afford a quick series. What followed could be the defining drive of the Bears' season.

Ben Johnson conducted a soul-sucking 19-play masterpiece.

There was nothing elaborate about it. The Bears marched down the field in steady increments. After reaching 3rd and 10 early, Williams hit a key 12-yard pass to move the chains. Another nine-yard pass followed. From there, Ben Johnson decided enough was enough. He wanted to send a message to Dallas. What followed were 12 plays in which 11 of them were runs, including eight in a row at one point. There was no smoke and mirrors. The Bears played classic bully ball, getting it down to the Cowboys' seven-yard line.

After a steep loss on 1st down, two Williams passes put the Bears on the four-yard line on 4th down. Johnson didn't hesitate. The Bears went for it. Williams surveyed on his drop, scrambled to his right, and found DJ Moore in the end zone for a decisive touchdown. Everything about that drive was so cathartic. Chicago imposed its will on the opponent and made them break. Johnson showed unwavering belief that they would.

Moments like this inspire a team. The Bears still have plenty to clean up. Yet it feels like they finally have stable ground under them. Now they have a chance to seize momentum.