Antwaan Randle El took over play-calling duties for the Chicago Bears in the second half of Saturday’s preseason win against the Browns, and boom, the offense immediately clicked, dropping a ridiculous 24 points in just 30 minutes! Seriously, the Bears rolled to a 34-10 victory, with almost three-quarters of their scoring coming after the coaching change. Talk about an immediate spark.
The Play-Calling Switch That Lit Up Chicago
Even Ben Johnson, the Bears’ primary offensive coordinator, didn’t shy away from admitting the obvious. He openly acknowledged that the Chicago offense looked “better” with Randle El at the helm in the second half. Johnson heaped praise on the receivers coach, saying Randle El did a “phenomenal job” and that it was a “phenomenal experience for him.” The players apparently “really rallied around that as well,” which tells you everything you need to know about the energy shift. Johnson even went as far as saying he believes Randle El has “a chance to be an [OC] in this league” and “a chance to be a head coach in this league.” That’s high praise, and after dropping 24 points in a half, you can see why.
From Super Bowl Villain to Coaching Standout
It’s kinda wild to think about, but Randle El, who celebrates his 47th birthday on Monday, has been on this coaching grind for a while now. He made the move with Johnson from Detroit to Chicago after Johnson became the Bears’ new head coach ahead of the 2025 season. Before that, Randle El was an offensive assistant with the Buccaneers in 2019, and get this, he won a Super Bowl in that role in 2020! Then he joined Dan Campbell’s staff in Detroit in 2021 and was a key part of the Lions’ massive turnaround, including their first postseason win in 32 years. Remember Amon-Ra St. Brown? He blossomed into one of the NFL’s most productive receivers under Randle El’s tutelage. And yeah, as a player, he was a standout quarterback at Indiana before starring as a receiver and returner for the Steelers during the 2000s. Us Seattle fans remember him, probably not so fondly, for throwing that game-clinching touchdown pass to Hines Ward during Pittsburgh’s win over our Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. Oof. Still stings a bit, but hey, credit where it’s due, the guy can play *and* coach.
What’s Next for This Coaching Phenom?
Johnson wasn’t just blowing smoke. He emphasized that he “wanted El to get that chance,” and that Randle El “wanted it too.” He clearly believes Randle El is an “outstanding coach” and has huge potential for an offensive coordinator or even head coach role. With this kind of immediate impact on the field and that kind of endorsement from the OC, it’s clear Randle El is a name we’re gonna hear a lot more in NFL coaching circles. Chicago just found a real weapon on their sidelines.
What a debut for Randle El calling plays. It’s preseason, yeah, but you can’t fake that kind of immediate offensive explosion. All eyes will be on the Bears’ play-calling in their next preseason game. Will Randle El get more snaps at the helm? This could be the start of something big for Chicago, and a huge leap forward for Randle El’s career path.
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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