THE APEX TIMES
Johnson credited a cleaner passing rhythm, highlighted Jeffery Simmons’ immediate impact, and made the running game the week’s top priority ahead of the Bears’ home matchup with Tampa Bay.
In a media session Wednesday at Halas Hall, Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson focused on what has improved for Chicago’s offense in recent weeks and what still needs fixing as the team prepares for a Sunday-night home game against the Buccaneers.
Johnson said he is pleased with how the passing game has operated lately, pointing to a three-game run since quarterback Caleb Williams returned from a hamstring injury. During that stretch, Johnson cited Williams’ completion rate of 73.8 percent (860 yards), with four touchdowns and no interceptions, and a passer rating of 111.3.
He also tied that efficiency to decision-making and distribution. Johnson said the offense is playing “cleaner” at a details level, with fewer early-season lulls about who is getting the ball and when. He described Williams as more decisive and said the process and confidence around the offense are helping him play faster.
Johnson pointed to the complementary receiving production in recent wins, saying Chicago scored 31, 30 and 34 points against the Falcons, Patriots and Seahawks. In those games, he highlighted Luther Burden III (19 catches for 281 yards, two touchdowns), Colston Loveland (20 receptions for 199 yards, two touchdowns) and Rome Odunze (11 catches for 195 yards). Johnson also specifically praised D’Andre Swift’s role in finishing when Chicago gets inside the 20, noting Swift’s three rushing touchdowns in the Seahawks game and the Bears’ conversion rate on goal-to-go situations in the past three games.
On the defensive side, Johnson emphasized the immediate impact of newly acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, describing Simmons as an “impact player” who elevates teammates. Johnson said Simmons recorded six tackles, 1.0 sack, two tackles for loss and a pass breakup in Monday night’s win in Seattle.
Johnson also made the running game the week’s focus. He said Chicago ranks second in the league in rushing at 150.8 yards per game, but noted the team has been held to 105.3 yards over its last four games after averaging 196.2 yards in its first four contests. He said consistency is the issue and pointed to tight end blocking and the need for the offensive line to keep running lanes open, while also referencing that Swift has been turning “little creases” into faster runs.
Finally, Johnson acknowledged injury losses that will extend beyond the current week. He confirmed defensive tackle Kentavius Street was placed on injured reserve after injuring his knee, and he said left tackle Braxton Jones underwent knee surgery following an injury sustained in a Week 3 win over the Eagles.