Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. David Banks-Imagn Images

Bears' Ben Johnson lives up to the hype with impressive first drive

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 8:58 PM ET

The Chicago Bears hired Ben Johnson to be their head coach because they believed in the hype. He had become arguably the best offensive mind in the NFL during his two years as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, and the Bears wanted to bring that firepower to Chicago.

They also wanted to pair him up with their young quarterback in Caleb Williams, who the Bears had selected with the No. 1 overall pick back in the 2024 NFL Draft.

So far, so good for the Bears.

This season has barely begun, but the results were immediate for Johnson and the Bears. On his first very first offensive drive as head coach, his offense, and specifically Williams, looked great en route to seven points.

Williams capped off a 10-play, 61-yard opening drive with a nine-yard touchdown scamper:

CALEB WILLIAMS TAKES IT IN HIMSELF

Watch Vikings-Bears on ABC, ESPN and the ESPN App ➡️ https://t.co/CgLyUok6D9 pic.twitter.com/k6n9L5vWD9
— ESPN (@espn) September 9, 2025

Williams completed 6-of-6 passes on the drive for 51 yards. That included this beautiful rollout and throw to Rome Odunze for 17 yards.

Caleb Williams on the move to Rome Odunze. What a missile pic.twitter.com/HRGhpBE2lu
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 9, 2025

For an offensive-minded head coach, that's about as good as you can get for a first drive. Any points on the board would have been good, but seven was the best-case scenario for Johnson and the Bears.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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