This stat is why I love Ben Johnson’s mindset as a play-caller.
Among 68 play callers with 70+ games since 1999, Johnson ranks No. 1 in pass rate on:
▪️ 2nd & 1
▪️ 2nd & 1-2
▪️ 2nd & 1-3
That is not being reckless. That is understanding leverage.
2nd and short is a coupon. It is a free swing. The defense has to respect the run, the sneak, play action, the quick game, and if they get nosy, you throw it over their head.
Most coaches treat 2nd and short like a layup.
Ben Johnson treats it like a green light from half court.
That is how you steal explosives. That is how you make safeties hesitate. That is how you turn tight ends into weapons. And that is how you keep a defense guessing for four quarters. #DaBears #Bears #ChicagoBears
No NFL play caller this century has treated 2nd & short like a free shot more aggressively than Ben Johnson.
Among 68 play callers with 70+ games since 1999, Johnson ranks:
1st in 2nd & 1 pass rate: 48.2%
1st in 2nd & 1-2 pass rate: 47.7%
1st in 2nd & 1-3 pass rate: 47.5%
No current projected 2026 play caller is even within 17 percentage points of him on 2nd & 1.
Clip below: Chicago using 2nd & 1 exactly the way Johnson wants to.
Rome Odunze 2025 #ReceptionPerception Profile 🔥
Some highlights:
- 76.1% success rate vs. man coverage
- 78% success rate vs. zone
- 80.6% success rate vs. press (93rd percentile)
Already a very talented player, Odunze can easily resume the breakout pace he showed early last season if healthy, and even take another step if he cleans up a few areas of his game. Notes in his RP data on why his role in Ben Johnson's offense is different from what you think, splits before/after the injury, and much more.
Full profile here: https://t.co/jDrBTiSglB
Spent the evening watching some Colston Loveland film.
After seeing everything I saw on film, his production doesn't even tell the story of the impact he had on the #Bears offense.
Ben Johnson gave him a lot to handle, more than most rookie tight ends over the last few years.
He's got a bright future ahead of him.
With the 25th overall pick, the @ChicagoBears add safety Dillon Thieneman from @oregonfootball!
2026 NFL Draft starts on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus
At No. 25, the #Bears are drafting Oregon S Dillon Thieneman. First time they have chosen a safety in Round 1 since Mark Carrier in 1990. Clear need and projected starter alongside Coby Bryant.
The Chicago Bulls announced today that Artūras Karnišovas, Executive Vice President - Basketball Operations and Marc Eversley, General Manager have been relieved of their positions.