How Ben Johnson Will Tackle The Bears' Persistent Receiver Targeting Issues

David

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Post on Sep 22, 2025

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How Ben Johnson Will Tackle the Bears' Persistent Receiver Targeting Issues

The Chicago Bears' offense showed flashes of brilliance in 2023, but a persistent problem plagued their aerial attack: inconsistent receiver targeting. While Justin Fields' rushing prowess garnered headlines, the inability to consistently connect with receivers downfield left points on the board and frustrated fans. Enter offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, tasked with unlocking the full potential of the Bears' receiving corps in 2024. How will he address this critical issue?

Understanding the 2023 Struggles:

Last season, the Bears' wide receiver group faced challenges in several key areas. Drops plagued even the most experienced players, leading to crucial incompletions in key moments. Route running consistency also lacked, resulting in miscommunications and missed opportunities. Furthermore, the lack of a true number one receiver created a predictable offensive scheme that defenses easily exploited.

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Johnson's Potential Solutions:

Johnson, known for his innovative play-calling and ability to develop young talent during his time with the Detroit Lions, is likely to implement several strategies to remedy the situation.

• Enhanced Route Tree Complexity: Expect Johnson to expand the Bears' route tree, incorporating more diverse and nuanced routes to confuse defenses. This will require rigorous practice and detailed film study by the receivers.
• Improved Player Development: Johnson's coaching acumen will be crucial in improving individual receiver skills. We can anticipate a greater emphasis on route precision, hand-eye coordination drills, and advanced techniques to minimize drops. This focus on fundamentals could significantly boost the team's overall receiving performance.
• Strategic Target Distribution: The Lions under Johnson showed a willingness to distribute targets among multiple receivers, preventing defenses from keying in on one player. This approach should reduce the pressure on any single receiver and improve overall offensive efficiency.
• Pre-Snap Motion and Deception: Expect to see more pre-snap motion and formations designed to create confusion and exploit defensive mismatches. This will involve using both running backs and tight ends as pass catchers to diversify the offense and keep the defense guessing.
• Maximizing Fields' Strengths: Johnson will undoubtedly tailor the offensive scheme to maximize Justin Fields' unique skill set. This could involve incorporating more designed rollouts, play-action passes, and RPOs (Run-Pass Options) to exploit defenses vulnerable to his mobility.

The Role of Free Agency and the Draft:

While coaching is vital, personnel matters too. The Bears' front office will likely address the receiver position through free agency and the NFL Draft. Adding a proven veteran receiver with strong hands and route-running ability could provide a much-needed boost to the offense. Supplementing this with a high-potential draft pick could solidify the receiving corps for years to come.

Conclusion:

The Bears' receiver targeting issues are a solvable problem. Ben Johnson's offensive philosophy, combined with potential additions through free agency and the draft, offer a promising path forward. The success of this endeavor will depend on the players' dedication to improvement and Johnson's ability to implement his strategies effectively. But the early signs are encouraging, and Chicago Bears fans have reason to be optimistic about the team's aerial attack in the 2024 season. Keep an eye out for training camp updates for more insight into Johnson's specific game plans.