Although the union of Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles inspires hope, the Chicago Bears’ difficult task is far from over.

Column: The Ben Johnson-Ryan Poles Union Sparks Optimism — But Chicago Bears’ Heavy Lifting Has Just Begun

The Chicago Bears, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, have seen their fair share of highs and lows over the years. From their iconic Super Bowl victories to a more recent stretch of rebuilding, the team has been on a rollercoaster of success and disappointment. However, after a series of changes at the top, including the hiring of General Manager Ryan Poles in 2022 and the ongoing pursuit of a championship-caliber offense, there is now a renewed sense of optimism in the Windy City. Much of that optimism can be attributed to the potential union of Poles and Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator from the Detroit Lions, who has emerged as one of the top candidates to fill Chicago’s head coaching vacancy.

This potential union of Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson is seen as a pairing that could usher in a new era of offensive brilliance and rejuvenate a franchise that has struggled to find stability at the quarterback position and consistently put up points. However, as promising as this partnership may seem, it’s important to remember that the Bears’ rebuilding journey is far from over. While the union between Poles and Johnson could represent a significant step in the right direction, the heavy lifting for the Chicago Bears is only just beginning.

The Need for Change

The Chicago Bears’ offense has long been one of the league’s most frustrating units. Despite boasting talented skill players over the years, including standout wide receivers and running backs, the offense has been stifled by poor quarterback play, inconsistent offensive line performance, and a lack of dynamic scheming. The Bears have not had a top-tier quarterback since the days of Jay Cutler, and even then, the team often struggled to surround him with the necessary talent to succeed.

Over the years, the franchise has invested heavily in finding the right signal-caller, but success has remained elusive. Mitchell Trubisky, the second overall pick in the 2017 draft, failed to live up to expectations, and the team’s gamble on veteran quarterbacks like Andy Dalton and Nick Foles didn’t pay off either. Justin Fields, the latest hope for the franchise, showed flashes of his immense potential but has yet to develop into the franchise quarterback the Bears desperately need.

This offensive inconsistency has plagued the Bears for years and has put immense pressure on the franchise to get things right. Enter Ryan Poles, the former Kansas City Chiefs executive who was brought in to rebuild the team from the ground up. Poles’ arrival signaled a shift in approach for the Bears, focusing on building a team through the draft, acquiring talented players, and creating a culture that would enable long-term success.

One of Poles’ early goals was to find a coach who could unlock the full potential of Justin Fields. Fields’ raw athleticism, arm strength, and playmaking ability were clear, but he needed a system that could harness those traits and help him become the quarterback the Bears envisioned when they traded up to draft him in 2021. This is where the Ben Johnson factor comes into play.

Ben Johnson: The Rising Star

Ben Johnson’s rapid rise through the NFL coaching ranks has been one of the most intriguing storylines of the past few seasons. After taking over as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2021, Johnson quickly transformed one of the league’s most anemic offenses into one of its most explosive. Under Johnson’s tutelage, the Lions improved dramatically in nearly every offensive category, and they quickly became one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL.

Johnson’s success in Detroit was largely due to his ability to implement a dynamic, versatile offensive scheme that maximized the talents of his players. His offense was predicated on creative play designs, innovative use of personnel, and a willingness to adapt to the strengths of his quarterbacks. Quarterback Jared Goff, who had struggled in Los Angeles, had a career revival under Johnson’s guidance, and the Lions’ offense became known for its balance and explosiveness. The Lions finished the 2022 season ranked in the top 5 in total offense, something that was virtually unthinkable just a few years ago.

One of Johnson’s biggest strengths is his ability to adapt to his quarterback’s strengths. Goff, for example, isn’t known for his mobility, but Johnson used play-action and bootleg concepts to make Goff’s job easier and keep opposing defenses on their toes. For a quarterback like Justin Fields, whose mobility and playmaking ability are among his greatest assets, Johnson could craft a system that allows him to thrive both as a passer and a runner.

The pairing of Poles and Johnson represents a promising combination: Poles’ emphasis on talent acquisition and Johnson’s offensive creativity could help the Bears finally take the next step in building an offense capable of competing in the modern NFL. However, there are challenges that the Bears must overcome, and the heavy lifting will require more than just hiring a promising coordinator.

The Importance of Justin Fields’ Development

Perhaps the most significant factor in the success of this potential union between Poles and Johnson is the development of Justin Fields. Fields has shown tremendous promise as a playmaker but has struggled with consistency and decision-making at times. He’s flashed his ability to make spectacular plays with his legs, but he’s also had moments of inaccuracy as a passer and issues with reading defenses.

Under Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme, Fields would likely have a system designed to put him in positions to succeed. Johnson’s track record with quarterbacks suggests that he can craft a game plan that takes advantage of Fields’ athleticism and playmaking ability, but ultimately, it’s up to Fields to take the next step in his development. A huge part of this will be Fields’ ability to improve his footwork, accuracy, and decision-making in the pocket.

For the Bears to succeed, Fields must continue to develop as a passer while retaining his dynamic ability as a runner. Johnson’s offense could open up new opportunities for Fields, whether it’s through the use of RPOs (run-pass options), designed quarterback runs, or play-action passes. Johnson has shown that he can tailor his system to fit the skill set of his quarterbacks, and Fields could be the next beneficiary of that adaptability.

However, the development of Fields is not just a matter of improving his individual play; it’s also about surrounding him with the right pieces. Ryan Poles must continue to build an offense around Fields that includes a strong offensive line, a deep receiving corps, and a reliable running game. All of these factors will play into the success of the Fields-Johnson partnership.

The Bears’ Offensive Line and Wide Receiver Corps

While Fields’ development is paramount, the success of the Bears’ offense will also depend heavily on the pieces surrounding him. The offensive line, which has been a major source of frustration for the Bears in recent seasons, needs to improve significantly. Poles has already begun addressing this issue by investing in key players and reshaping the line, but it’s still a work in progress.

A strong offensive line is essential for any quarterback, but it’s especially crucial for a quarterback like Fields, who relies on pocket presence and quick decisions. Fields has shown the ability to thrive when given time to survey the field, but when the pocket collapses, he often struggles with his accuracy and decision-making. Johnson’s offense, which relies heavily on timing and precision, could mitigate some of these concerns, but ultimately, the Bears must continue to improve their offensive line to provide Fields with the protection he needs to succeed.

Another area that needs attention is the wide receiver corps. The Bears have had a revolving door of pass-catching talent, and Fields has often lacked a true No. 1 option. While Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet have shown flashes of promise, the Bears need to add more depth and elite playmaking ability to their receiving group. Whether it’s through the draft or free agency, Poles must continue to work toward building a well-rounded receiving corps that can complement Johnson’s offensive scheme and give Fields more weapons to work with.

The Road Ahead

While the potential union of Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson has sparked excitement in Chicago, the Bears’ heavy lifting has just begun. Even with a promising coaching staff and a quarterback who has the potential to develop into a franchise player, the Bears must continue to build a competitive roster across all positions.

There’s no question that the Bears are on the right track, but turning the franchise around will require more than just the right coaching hires. It will require consistent investments in the roster, especially on the offensive line and at wide receiver. Fields must continue to develop, and Johnson’s offense must be executed to perfection in order for the Bears to find sustained success.

The next few years will be critical for the Bears as they look to rebuild and return to contention. The Poles-Johnson union is a promising start, but the true test will be in how they execute the necessary steps to build a championship-caliber team around their young quarterback. For the Bears, the heavy lifting is far from over—but with the right pieces in place, there’s reason to believe that brighter days are ahead for Chicago football.