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The Chicago Bears have long been a franchise defined by its storied defensive history. However, in recent years, the team’s offensive struggles have overshadowed its defensive prowess, making it evident that the franchise needs a fresh approach. With a new coaching staff taking shape, much of the focus has been on whether Ben Johnson—offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions—will be the one to help turn things around for Chicago’s offense. While Johnson is considered a rising star in the NFL coaching ranks, he must be careful not to repeat the mistakes made by current head coach Matt Eberflus, especially in terms of how he balances the offense with the defense.

Eberflus’ tenure with the Bears has been marked by his strong defensive pedigree, but his inability to get the offense on track has been a major issue. As Johnson weighs his future options and potentially moves to Chicago, he must avoid falling into the same trap as Eberflus, whose focus on the defense has stifled offensive development. This post will outline the key mistake Matt Eberflus made in his approach to team-building and coaching, and why Ben Johnson must steer clear of repeating it in Chicago.

### The Eberflus Mistake: Underestimating the Offensive Side of the Ball

Matt Eberflus was hired as head coach of the Bears in 2022 primarily for his expertise as a defensive coordinator. He had built a solid reputation as the defensive mind behind the Indianapolis Colts’ strong defenses, and it seemed like a logical move for a Bears team that had always prided itself on its defensive legacy. The franchise was in need of a reset, and Eberflus was expected to restore Chicago’s defensive dominance.

However, Eberflus made a critical error by focusing too heavily on defense while neglecting the offense. In today’s NFL, successful teams are not simply defined by their defensive prowess—they must also field a dynamic, high-scoring offense. Teams with elite offenses are consistently making deep playoff runs, while defenses alone are no longer enough to carry a team to championship contention.

Under Eberflus, the Bears’ offense underperformed, especially with young quarterback Justin Fields at the helm. While Fields certainly had his share of struggles, much of the blame for his stagnation falls on how the offense was structured. Instead of crafting a system that maximized Fields’ strengths, the Bears’ offensive scheme under Eberflus and coordinator Luke Getsy was inconsistent, confusing, and lacked a clear identity. Fields was asked to fit into a rigid system that didn’t play to his unique abilities as a dual-threat quarterback.

By not prioritizing offensive development, Eberflus failed to put the Bears in a position to compete. This oversight not only stunted the growth of Fields but also hindered the team’s chances of success in a league where scoring is paramount.

### The Ben Johnson Opportunity

Ben Johnson, on the other hand, has proven to be one of the most innovative offensive minds in the NFL. As offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Johnson has helped transform a franchise that was once synonymous with mediocrity into one of the league’s most explosive offenses. His ability to maximize the talents of Jared Goff and surrounding players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and others has made him a highly sought-after coaching candidate.

Johnson’s success in Detroit is built around his ability to design an offense that plays to the strengths of his players. Unlike many coaches who try to force their system onto players, Johnson has tailored his schemes to fit the skill sets of the players on his roster. His offense incorporates elements of the West Coast system, play-action, and RPO (run-pass option), creating a diverse and unpredictable attack that keeps defenses on their heels.

For the Bears, Johnson represents a golden opportunity to overhaul their offense, especially with a young quarterback like Justin Fields. Johnson’s ability to integrate the strengths of his players and design a dynamic system could be just what the Bears need to unlock Fields’ potential and build an offense that can complement their defense.

### The Core Mistake: Overemphasis on Defense and Lack of Offensive Identity

While Ben Johnson’s offensive expertise is what makes him an attractive candidate for the Bears, he must be mindful not to make the same mistake Matt Eberflus made by overemphasizing the defensive side of the ball. This was perhaps the most significant flaw in Eberflus’ approach—his neglect of the offense left the team playing in an imbalance that hurt both sides of the ball.

As a head coach, Ben Johnson must be proactive in ensuring that the Bears’ offense receives the same level of attention, investment, and development as their defense. While it’s crucial to maintain a solid defense (especially for a franchise like the Bears, who have a rich defensive history), focusing solely on defense at the expense of the offense is a recipe for failure.

The first step in avoiding this mistake is ensuring that the Bears’ coaching staff is well-rounded, with a clear focus on offensive development. Johnson needs to make sure that his offensive line coach, quarterbacks coach, and receivers coach are all aligned with his vision for the offense. Fields, in particular, will need strong guidance from the quarterback position, as his development has been inconsistent thus far. By surrounding Fields with the right coaching and building a system that allows him to thrive, Johnson can ensure the offense is competitive in today’s fast-paced NFL.

### The Danger of a Defensive-Centric Mindset

It’s easy to see why Eberflus became so defensive-focused—the Bears have always had a strong defensive identity. Chicago’s defensive history is legendary, and the franchise’s success in the past was built around its defense. However, the NFL has evolved. The days of relying solely on defense to win championships are long gone. The best teams today have a potent offense, and a balanced attack is crucial for sustained success.

If Ben Johnson takes over as head coach or offensive coordinator, he must avoid the trap of falling into the same defensive-centric mindset. The Bears’ defense is solid, but a truly great team is built on both sides of the ball. By focusing on building a high-powered, efficient offense—one that plays to the strengths of Justin Fields and his supporting cast—Johnson will give the Bears the best chance at competing for championships in the modern NFL.

### Building a Complete Coaching Staff

One of the key mistakes Eberflus made was not surrounding himself with the right offensive coaching talent. As a defensive-minded coach, he relied too much on his offensive coordinator, Luke Getsy, and did not provide the necessary resources or guidance to help Getsy succeed. A well-rounded coaching staff is critical to a successful head coach, and Johnson must take this lesson to heart.

Building a complete staff that understands the modern NFL offense, especially one that maximizes the skills of his quarterback, is essential. Johnson must bring in coaches who complement his vision, focusing not just on play-calling but also on player development, particularly with the offensive line and quarterback. A well-structured staff will ensure that the offensive system flourishes and that the team can remain competitive across all phases of the game.

### Conclusion: The Path Forward for Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson has an incredible opportunity to reshape the Chicago Bears’ future. If he takes over as head coach or remains in a key role, he must learn from Matt Eberflus’ missteps, particularly the failure to prioritize offensive development. By putting a premium on building a balanced team that focuses on both defense and offense, Johnson can create a formula for success.

Johnson’s track record in Detroit has shown that he understands how to build a high-powered offense around a talented quarterback. The same principles he applied to Jared Goff should be extended to Justin Fields, maximizing his unique skill set and setting the Bears up for long-term success.

If Johnson can avoid the Eberflus mistake of neglecting the offense and build a coaching staff that emphasizes offensive growth, the Bears may finally have the leadership they need to rise back into contention in the NFC. The road ahead won’t be easy, but with the right approach, the Bears can be transformed into a true playoff contender.