Ben Johnson's Plan To Curb Targeting Penalties Against Chicago Bears Receivers

David

3 min read

Post on Sep 22, 2025

4.1

Share

Ben Johnson's Plan to Curb Targeting Penalties Against Chicago Bears Receivers

The Chicago Bears' offense has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but a persistent problem threatens to derail their progress: targeting penalties against their receiving corps. The frequency of these calls has drawn criticism, and rightfully so, as they disrupt drives and impact the team's overall performance. Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson, however, is implementing a strategic plan to mitigate this issue and protect his valuable players.

Understanding the Problem: A Plague of Targeting Calls

The sheer number of targeting penalties levied against Bears receivers has been alarming. These penalties, which result in ejection and significant yardage penalties, are often the result of aggressive hits by defenders, but also occasionally stem from questionable officiating. The impact goes beyond just lost yardage; it disrupts the flow of the offense, demoralizes players, and creates a negative ripple effect throughout the game. This isn't just about winning individual games; it's about the long-term health and success of the team's offensive strategy.

Johnson's Multi-Pronged Approach: Technique, Training, and Communication

Johnson's plan is multi-faceted, addressing the problem from various angles. He isn't solely relying on hoping for better officiating; he’s proactively working to minimize the chances of a targeting call.

1. Refining Receiving Techniques:

• Improved Catch Point Mechanics: Johnson is focusing on drills that emphasize securing the catch quickly and minimizing vulnerability after the reception. This includes training receivers to protect themselves from hits by tucking the ball away immediately and getting to the ground swiftly.
• Enhanced Body Positioning: The coaching staff is working with receivers on proper body positioning to present a smaller target to defenders. This involves subtle adjustments to their posture and how they present themselves when going up for a catch.
• Avoiding Vulnerable Situations: The coaching staff is emphasizing avoiding unnecessary contact and risky catches, prioritizing ball security over spectacular grabs in situations where a penalty is more likely.

2. Enhanced Player Awareness and Training:

• Film Study: Players are spending extra time analyzing film, identifying situations that led to previous targeting calls, and learning to anticipate defensive tendencies.
• Simulated Game Situations: Practices now incorporate drills that simulate high-pressure situations to better prepare receivers for the physicality of NFL games and help them react instinctively to avoid targeting situations.
• Communication with Officials: Johnson is also working to foster better communication between his players and the officiating crew to ensure clear understanding of the rules and expectations.

3. Strategic Offensive Adjustments:

• Route Running Modifications: Certain routes have been modified to avoid situations that are prone to targeting penalties. This might involve adjusting angles and timing of routes to minimize the chance of collisions.
• Play Calling Adjustments: The playbook has been reviewed to incorporate more plays designed to avoid situations that increase the likelihood of targeting calls.

Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Strategy for Success

Johnson's strategy is not a quick fix but a long-term commitment to player safety and offensive efficiency. While it's impossible to eliminate all targeting penalties, this proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to minimizing their occurrence and protecting the Bears' key offensive players. The success of this strategy will be evident over the course of the season, and it offers a valuable model for other teams facing similar challenges. Only time will tell the full extent of its impact, but the Bears' offensive coordinator is clearly taking the issue seriously and dedicating significant resources to addressing it. The future of the Chicago Bears’ receiving corps might just depend on it.