The NFL offseason is always an exciting time for fans and teams alike. With the draft, free agency, and coaching changes, there is always something to keep us on the edge of our seats. One of the biggest storylines this offseason has been the potential hiring of Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson by both the Chicago Bears and the Las Vegas Raiders. While both teams have expressed interest in Johnson, it seems that one franchise may have the upper hand.
According to a new report, the Chicago Bears may not be the front-runners in the race to land Ben Johnson. This news comes as a surprise to many, as the Bears were thought to be one of the top contenders for Johnson’s services. However, it seems that the Raiders may have the edge in this situation.
The report states that Johnson has a strong connection with Raiders head coach Jon Gruden. The two have known each other for years and have a great working relationship. This could be a major factor in Johnson’s decision, as having a good rapport with the head coach is crucial for any coordinator.
But it’s not just the personal connection that may sway Johnson towards the Raiders. The team’s recent success on offense could also be a major factor. Under Gruden’s guidance, the Raiders have seen a significant improvement on the offensive side of the ball. In 2020, they ranked 10th in total offense and 7th in passing yards per game. This is a testament to Gruden’s offensive prowess and could be a major draw for Johnson.
On the other hand, the Chicago Bears have struggled on offense in recent years. In 2020, they ranked 26th in total offense and 22nd in passing yards per game. This is a far cry from the success that Johnson has had with the Lions. In his two years as offensive coordinator, the Lions have ranked in the top 10 in total offense both years. This stark contrast in offensive production could be a major factor in Johnson’s decision.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for the Bears. They still have some things working in their favor. For one, they have a talented young quarterback in Justin Fields. Fields has the potential to be a franchise quarterback and could be a major selling point for Johnson. Additionally, the Bears have a solid offensive line and a strong running game, which could make Johnson’s job a little easier.
However, it seems that the Raiders may have the upper hand in this situation. They have a strong connection with Johnson, a successful offense, and a talented young quarterback in Derek Carr. All of these factors could make the Raiders a more attractive destination for Johnson.
Of course, this is all speculation at this point. Johnson has yet to make a decision, and anything can happen in the NFL. But if this report is to be believed, it doesn’t bode well for the Chicago Bears. They may have to look elsewhere for their next offensive coordinator.
In the end, the decision will ultimately come down to what Johnson values most. Does he prioritize personal connections and a successful offense, or does he see potential in the Bears’ young talent and the opportunity to build something from the ground up? Only time will tell.
Regardless of where Johnson ends up, one thing is for sure: he will have a major impact on whichever team he joins. His track record speaks for itself, and he has proven to be one of the top offensive minds in the league. Whichever team is lucky enough to land him will be getting a valuable asset.
So, while the news may not be what Bears fans were hoping for, there is still reason to be optimistic. The team has a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, and they will continue to work towards building a winning team. And who knows, maybe Johnson will surprise us all and choose the Bears in the end.
In the meantime, let’s sit back and enjoy the excitement of the NFL offseason. Anything can happen, and we can’t wait to see where Ben Johnson ends up. One thing is for sure, though: he will make a major impact wherever he goes.
