Ben Johnson isn’t messing around. Back in August, the Bears head coach dropped a bombshell, telling reporters he wants to shatter the NFL’s single-season scoring record this season, gunning straight for the 2013 Denver Broncos. This isn’t just some coach-speak fluff either. Johnson, at 40 years old, has become one of the most interesting characters in the league, calling a high-octane offense, delivering viral locker-room speeches, and dropping catchphrases like it’s his job. He even admitted, “I want more than [the Super Bowl],” saying he has the 2013 Broncos’ points per game committed to memory and wants to surpass them.
This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Offense
Most coaches aim for a good offense, sure, but Johnson straight-up name-checks the record holders and their exact points per game. That single-season record is a wild 37.6 points per game, by the way. And get this: Chicago is already way ahead of that pace after dropping a mind-blowing 59 points in their season-opening win over the Panthers. After seeing that kind of action, Johnson’s goal doesn’t even sound far-fetched anymore. He’s not just drawing up cool plays, it’s his understanding of situational football that makes him an exceptional play-caller. He gets that it’s all about *when* you call the plays, not just *what* plays they are. It’s like a great baseball hitter working into a favorable count, right? Johnson sees second-and-short as his 3-1 count, knowing he’s got third and fourth down as backup, so he swings for the fences. It’s bold, it’s aggressive, and it’s working so far.
Mental Warfare Against the Record Books
Now, the true test hits this weekend. If the Bears can keep this record-breaking pace against Brian Flores’ Vikings defense, then yeah, the 2013 Denver team better be on official notice. Why? Because Flores runs an aggressive, blitzing defense that shape-shifts every single week to attack opponents. You know the pressure is coming, but you have no clue when or from where. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams even called it “one of a kind” this week, saying Flores “is gonna game plan all the way up to the tee , from first snap to last snap…” Williams added, “coach called it ‘mental warfare’ when you go up against him.” And honestly, you can already see that mental warfare getting to Johnson. When asked how to avoid overthinking against Flores, the Bears coach just laughed and said, “I’m already down that path.” He’s a serial overthinker, but that’s partly what makes him such a good coach, and maybe the perfect guy to lead an offense chasing the most points in history.
This weekend isn’t just another game. It’s the first real proving ground for Johnson’s outrageous scoring goal. Can they keep that offensive fire going against a defense designed to mess with your head? We’re about to find out, and it’s gonna be a show!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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