Bears Coach Ben Johnson Sets 37.9-Point Goal During 14-Hour Camp Grind
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 12
Bears Coach Ben Johnson Sets 37.9-Point Goal During 14-Hour Camp Grind
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 12
Summary
A 14-hour day at Halas Hall showed Ben Johnson driving Chicago with goals beyond a Super Bowl, saying he wants to top the 2013 Broncos’ 37.9 points per game and chase historic win streaks.
At practice, that standard translated into two live periods, but four pre-snap penalties in a seven-play stretch and an interception by Tyrique Stevenson left Johnson calling the session "stunk."
In film review, Johnson blasted the offense’s communication and effort, then shifted Wednesday to shells and a walkthrough while promising another live period before Saturday’s preseason opener.
Johnson also said he is broadening his Year 2 role beyond play-calling, studying roughly 200 game-management decisions from 2025 and revisiting mistakes from the Bears’ 20-17 divisional-round loss to the Rams.
His long-term bet still centers on Caleb Williams, with Johnson saying doubts about the quarterback’s accuracy, processing and fit in structure are gone after daily one-on-one work.