Chicago Bears: How Ben Johnson Will Fix Pass Interference Issues

David

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Post on Sep 22, 2025

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Chicago Bears: How Ben Johnson Will Fix Pass Interference Issues

The Chicago Bears’ 2022 season was a mixed bag. While the rushing attack, spearheaded by Justin Fields, showed immense promise, the passing game consistently struggled, hampered significantly by penalties, particularly pass interference. Enter Ben Johnson, the newly appointed offensive coordinator, tasked with breathing new life into the Bears' aerial assault and minimizing these costly flags. But how will he do it? Can Johnson, known for his innovative offensive schemes during his time with the Detroit Lions, effectively address the Bears' pass interference problem? Let's delve into the potential solutions.

Understanding the 2022 Problem:

Last season, the Bears' receivers frequently found themselves in situations leading to pass interference calls. This wasn't solely due to poor route running; factors like aggressive defensive play, questionable officiating, and a lack of consistent timing between quarterback and receiver all contributed. The result? A significant number of penalties that stalled drives and ultimately impacted the team's overall performance.

Johnson's Potential Strategies:

Johnson’s offensive philosophy emphasizes precision and timing. His approach to fixing the pass interference issues likely involves a multi-pronged strategy:

• Route Refinement: Expect Johnson to implement route concepts designed to minimize the chances of contact with defensive backs. This might involve incorporating quicker, shorter routes that limit the opportunity for interference, focusing on precise timing and breaking away cleanly. Think quick slants, outs, and comebacks, routes that demand sharp execution but reduce the exposure to holding and pass interference calls.

• Improved QB-WR Timing: A hallmark of Johnson's offensive system is the emphasis on timing. By improving the communication and synchronization between Justin Fields and his receivers, the likelihood of receivers being caught in contested situations will decrease. This necessitates countless hours of practice and film study to build a seamless connection between quarterback and receiver.

• Scheme Adjustments: Johnson might utilize play designs that create more space for receivers, forcing defenders to play more conservatively. This could involve utilizing screens, play-action passes, and concepts that spread the defense horizontally, opening up opportunities for receivers to get open without resorting to aggressive, penalty-prone tactics.

• Enhanced Offensive Line Play: A strong offensive line provides the quarterback more time to throw, allowing receivers to run their routes more cleanly and reducing the urgency to make a catch in tight coverage, leading to less contact and fewer penalties. This focuses not just on pass protection, but also on providing running lanes to keep the defense honest.

• Player Personnel: While not directly a coaching fix, the team's approach to drafting and free agency will indirectly impact the pass interference issue. Adding receivers with a reputation for precise route running and avoiding flags will be crucial in minimizing penalties.

Beyond the X's and O's:

Beyond tactical adjustments, Johnson's coaching style is known for its focus on detail and player development. This meticulous approach is crucial in mitigating penalties. By emphasizing disciplined route running and teaching receivers to maximize their separation while minimizing contact, Johnson can drastically reduce the number of pass interference calls.

Conclusion:

The Chicago Bears' pass interference problems in 2022 were multifaceted. However, Ben Johnson's expertise in offensive scheme design, coupled with his emphasis on precision and player development, presents a strong argument for improvement. While there are no guarantees, the implementation of the strategies outlined above points towards a promising future for the Bears' passing game and a significant reduction in costly pass interference penalties. The upcoming season will be a crucial test of Johnson's ability to deliver on his promise. Only time will tell if he can truly fix these issues, but his track record suggests a positive outlook.