New Stat Sums Up How Superior Ben Johnson Is To Matt Eberflus

There was no denying Ben Johnson was the top coaching candidate of the 2025 cycle. Many teams were eager to get him. He checks all the boxes: young, successful, offensive-minded, and boasting a reputation for high intelligence. The Chicago Bears never land coaches like that. However, thanks to a series of fortunate breaks, that changed this time. Johnson chose the Bears' job, intrigued by the opportunity both to turn around a dormant franchise and work with Caleb Williams. Still, people weren't sure what to expect. There is a significant difference between successful coordinators and head coaches.

After a rough start to the season, Johnson has helped the team get pointed in the right direction over the past two weeks—a big part of why is their ability to execute in key situations. No stat reflects this better than 3rd down efficiency. NFL University revealed which teams have the highest grades. There are the usual suspects like Philadelphia, Green Bay, San Francisco, and Kansas City. Then you notice who ranks higher than all of them.

Ben Johnson has instilled a drastic turnaround.

Think about this. Last year, the Bears ranked 31st in 3rd down conversion rate on offense at just 32.90%. So far in 2025, they are 4th at 45.45%. This has been accomplished largely with the same personnel as last year, except for the tweaks to the offensive line. The only explanation for such a massive leap is coaching. What's even crazier is that the Bears' defense is even better. They're first in opposing 3rd down conversion rate at 29.27%. The fact that they're doing it with one of the league's worst pass rushes is nothing short of miraculous. No doubt defensive coordinator Dennis Allen deserves credit for that.

This team is by no means perfect. They have several issues that aren't easily fixed this year. Yet Ben Johnson has managed to navigate them to still field a competitive football team that steps up in key moments.