Theo Benedet at Chicago Bears training camp – Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson calls out player for 'inconsistent' play

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Eric Root | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 6:27 PM ET

Theo Benedet has been the left tackle for the Chicago Bears since replacing Braxton Jones during Week 4’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The undrafted Canadian has impressed many since becoming the starter, especially with run blocking. The Bears’ offensive line has seemed to be much better since Darnell Wright returned at right tackle and since Jones was benched in favor of Benedet.

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However, Benedet did not exceed expectations during Week 7’s victory over the New Orleans Saints. The left tackle struggled early and throughout the game. On one of the first pass plays of the game, Benedet got brought down by Chase Young. That missed block nearly led to an interception for Caleb Williams and led to a Bears punt. Benedet struggled heavily in pass protection and had some bad false starts as well.

During Monday’s press conference, Ben Johnson labeled Benedet’s play as “inconsistent.”

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson says Theo Benedet needs to be better

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Johnson brought up the false starts and pass-protection struggles when asked about Benedet.

“It’s inconsistent, to say the least. You know, he had a couple false starts mixed in there. Run-game wise, he did some good things in terms of moving guys, but probably wasn’t as clean as it could be. And then in pass pro, I think Chase Young got after him just a little bit more than he had liked as well.”

The Bears head coach was then asked if Benedet has a longer leash. Johnson expressed his confidence in the undrafted left tackle, stating, “he’s going to get better with the more reps he gets”.

“I mean, we need all of our guys to perform at a high level for us to move the ball, score points on offense, win games as a team, and so the evaluation process always goes on. If there’s someone that’s not pulling his weight, then we got to make a decision there. But, no, I think he’s going to continue to get better with the more reps that he gets. And, you know, that wasn’t a slouch that he was going against yesterday on most of those snaps and I think he’s going to continue to get better.”

It’s clear the Bears head coach has confidence in his starting left tackle. Benedet has shown many great things since becoming the starter. Once he cleans up the penalties and blocking issues, he will get much better.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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