Bears News: Ben Johnson impressed with Dennis Allen: “He’s a godsend to me”

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 2 hours ago

CHICAGO - There were a lot of emotions for the Chicago Bears going into last Monday’s game against the Washington Commanders. This was the game that derailed their season last year. This was the team that ended head coach Ben Johnson’s season when he was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions last season. The weather contributed to the game's tension.

Just like last time these two teams faced each other, it came down to the very last play. Kicker Jake Moody, who was elevated from the practice squad after starting kicker Cairo Santos was unable to play. The kick was set up after the defense got their third turnover when Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels fumbled the snap near midfield and cornerback Nahshon Wright recovered it. It was the third turnover of the game generated by the defense.

Johnson said generating turnovers is something that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and the rest of his staff have emphasized in practice.

“When you emphasize something, you normally get it and that whole staff has done that from the get-go and our players have embraced it. They’re very ball conscious (and) we’re looking to punch out in practice. We’re looking to do that in individual drills. It’s carrying over to the team periods of practice and then to the game as well,” Johnson said. “So, same thing with the interceptions. Our scout team quarterbacks aren’t trying to throw them, yet it’s happening almost every single day and we can continue to not only get our hands on those balls and be able to return them. But, we’re turning them into big plays with the returns as well and setting up good field position for the offense and so, I think when you emphasize something, the guys take it to heart. I think that’s when good things happen. So, it’s not luck. It’s by design.”

Hiring Allen as the defensive coordinator was possibly Johnson’s smartest coaching hire this offseason. He is a seasoned defensive coach with years of head coaching experience.

His defenses have always been aggressive, and that has been evident, particularly over the past three weeks.

“He’s been a godsend to me because he’s been incredible, not just from coordinating the defense. But, he’s helped me every step of the way as well. So, very grateful for him to be here and everything that he’s done for this team up to date,” Johnson said. “He’s been a very successful coach in this league for a long time and I think you got to continue to evolve. You can’t just be stagnant in this league or else someone younger, hungrier will find a way to surpass you and he hasn’t allowed that to happen. He’s done this at a high level and (he) thinks outside the box. He’s very smart, very creative and I think our guys are really starting to understand, ‘Okay, he’s giving us a strategic advantage each and every week right now.’”

During training camp, Chicago had a battle for the starting left tackle position. Ultimately, Braxton Jones won at the time.

However, he has now been replaced by undrafted offensive lineman Theo Benedet, who made his first NFL start against the Commanders.

“I thought he’s done a really solid job for us. I think the biggest compliment I could probably give him last week is I didn’t feel him out there which, as a play caller, that’s what you’re normally doing is, ‘why is a play breaking down?’ and if it’s a particular person, then you’re looking to help them out somehow, some way and I never felt that last week,” Johnson said. “So, I think the confidence is growing. I think his confidence is growing with his ability to perform in this league and I think our confidence with him continues to grow as well.”