The Chicago Bears offense just lit up the scoreboard for 24 points in the second half of their 34-10 preseason win over the Browns, and the wildest part? Head coach Ben Johnson, one of the NFL’s top play callers, wasn’t even calling the shots. He actually turned over those duties to receivers coach Antwaan Randle El right before the second half began. Johnson himself acknowledged that the offense “looked better” when El was calling the plays. Talk about a debut!
Ben Johnson’s Honest Take On El’s Big Opportunity
Johnson didn’t hold back, giving Randle El huge praise for his performance. “Really, it’s about Antwaan Randle El calling it there in the second half. I thought he did a phenomenal job,” Johnson said. “It was a phenomenal experience for him. I know our guys really rallied around that as well.” You can tell the team bought into it, and seeing 24 points go up on the board in 30 minutes with a new guy at the helm has to be electrifying for that locker room. Johnson even went further, saying, “I think he’s got a chance to be an [OC] in this league. I think he’s got a chance to be a head coach in this league.” That’s high praise from a guy who knows what he’s talking about when it comes to offensive minds.
From Super Bowl Villain to Coaching Phenom?
Randle El isn’t some rookie to high-stakes football, even if this was his first time calling NFL plays. He joined Johnson’s staff in Chicago in 2025 after Johnson became the Bears’ new coach, but his coaching journey started back in 2019 as an offensive assistant for the Buccaneers, where he won a Super Bowl in 2020. Then he moved to Dan Campbell’s staff in Detroit in 2021, helping to turn around the Lions franchise and witness their first postseason win in 32 years. He also helped a guy like Amon-Ra St. Brown blossom into one of the league’s most productive receivers. Oh, and you might remember him from his playing days with the Steelers in the 2000s. He was a standout quarterback at Indiana before becoming a dynamic receiver and returner. He even threw that game-clinching touchdown pass to Hines Ward during Pittsburgh’s win over our own Seattle in Super Bowl XL. Yeah, that one still stings a little, but you gotta respect the guy’s football IQ!
Johnson clearly had confidence in Randle El. “I wanted El to get that chance, and he wanted it too,” he explained. “I think he’s an outstanding coach. I think sometimes, when you’re put in certain position rooms, you kind of get labeled one thing or another.” What’s next for Randle El after this incredible play-calling debut? With that kind of performance and Johnson’s endorsement, he’s definitely a name to watch. Could we see him calling plays again, or even get a shot at coordinator sooner than later? Bears fans certainly have a lot to look forward to with this emerging talent on the sidelines.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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