As the NFL offseason heats up, the Chicago Bears find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, with Organized Team Activities (OTAs) signaling more than just conditioning and playbook installations—it signals a new chapter. Leading that chapter is Ben Johnson, the recently hired offensive coordinator, brought in to reshape the identity of a franchise desperate for offensive stability and quarterback development. At the center of this transformation is quarterback Justin Fields, whose career in Chicago has so far been defined more by unfulfilled potential than by breakout success.
Ben Johnson’s arrival in Chicago was met with excitement and cautious optimism. He had made a name for himself as the offensive architect behind the Detroit Lions’ surprising offensive explosion over the last two seasons. Known for his creativity, ability to maximize quarterback play, and proficiency in developing diverse offensive schemes, Johnson became a hot commodity. The Bears lured him to Halas Hall with the promise of being the man to fix what has long been broken—the Bears’ offense.
While Johnson faces a laundry list of responsibilities, one challenge stands above the rest: unlocking Justin Fields.
A Tale of Two Journeys
Fields entered the league in 2021 amid a wave of excitement. A star at Ohio State, he was selected 11th overall by the Bears. Possessing elite athleticism, a rocket arm, and leadership qualities, Fields looked like the long-awaited answer to Chicago’s perpetual quarterback woes. Yet through three seasons, he has struggled to put it all together. While flashes of brilliance—highlight reel runs, deep shots, and clutch moments—have emerged, so have issues: poor pocket awareness, slow reads, and inaccurate short-to-intermediate throws.
Much of Fields’ inconsistency has been attributed to the environment around him. In his first three seasons, he has played under two head coaches, three different offensive coordinators, and behind one of the league’s most maligned offensive lines. Weapons were scarce until recently, and schemes often failed to match his strengths. The Bears’ decision to bring in Johnson reflects a pivot in philosophy—building the system around the quarterback rather than forcing him to conform.
OTAs: A Critical Juncture
Organized Team Activities are not typically where legacies are forged, but for Fields and Johnson, they offer a chance to lay the foundation for something meaningful. Early reports from OTAs suggest a change in tone, tempo, and structure. Practices are crisp, efficient, and designed with a clear sense of purpose.
Johnson’s playbook emphasizes timing, spacing, and rhythm—areas that challenge Fields but also offer the most growth potential. There’s been a noticeable emphasis on footwork, quicker reads, and getting the ball out decisively. Fields has reportedly responded well, showing improvement in his anticipation throws and overall command of the huddle.
A System Built for Growth
What makes Johnson’s system promising is its flexibility. In Detroit, he built an offense that thrived with Jared Goff—a quarterback with clear limitations but strong decision-making and accuracy. Johnson tailored the offense to what Goff did best. In Chicago, the plan is the same: maximize Fields’ strengths while minimizing his weaknesses.
Expect to see more play-action, designed rollouts, RPOs (run-pass options), and movement-based concepts. Johnson is creating a scheme that leverages Fields’ legs without making the quarterback a glorified running back. The focus is on balance and efficiency.
Receivers like DJ Moore and rookie Rome Odunze give Fields legitimate outside weapons. Tight end Gerald Everett adds a veteran safety valve, and the offensive line—boosted by veteran additions—should give Fields more time than he’s had in previous years. But all these improvements hinge on Johnson’s ability to put the pieces together.
The Redemption Arc
Redemption is a powerful motivator, and Fields is playing with a chip on his shoulder. He’s heard the whispers. He knows that the Bears, with the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, selected quarterback Caleb Williams, creating a ticking clock on Fields’ tenure in Chicago.
Yet despite the cloud of uncertainty, Fields has approached OTAs with focus and maturity. His teammates have taken notice.
“He’s dialed in,” said wide receiver DJ Moore. “You can feel it. Every rep, every throw—he’s locked in like never before.”
Off the field, Johnson and Fields have been building rapport. Long film sessions, constant communication, and mutual trust are beginning to pay dividends. Johnson is not just installing an offense—he’s rebuilding a quarterback’s confidence.
“It’s not just about plays on a sheet of paper,” Johnson told reporters. “It’s about people. It’s about giving these guys belief in what they’re doing.”
A Franchise’s Future at Stake
While Fields’ development is the headline, Johnson’s impact will ripple through the entire offense. Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, and rookie backfield talent are expected to rotate in a dynamic rushing attack. The offensive line’s cohesion is being emphasized, with practices featuring intense situational drills and communication work.
Rome Odunze’s progression is also being watched closely. The rookie out of Washington has shown flashes of brilliance in OTAs, already building chemistry with Fields on deep routes and comeback throws. Johnson’s scheme puts receivers in space, which could be a perfect match for Odunze’s route-running prowess.
But make no mistake—the pressure is immense. Bears fans have suffered through decades of offensive futility. Chicago media is relentless. And Johnson is being tasked with overhauling a culture as much as an offense.
“We understand what’s expected here,” Johnson said. “This is a proud franchise. We have to earn every bit of trust we get.”
Comparisons and Caution
The narrative of a young coordinator revitalizing a struggling quarterback is not new. It’s been seen with Sean McVay and Jared Goff in Los Angeles, Kevin Stefanski and Baker Mayfield in Cleveland, and recently with Bobby Slowik and C.J. Stroud in Houston. But for every success story, there are cautionary tales. A brilliant mind doesn’t always equate to results. Chemistry is unpredictable. Execution under pressure can falter.
Johnson must navigate not only football strategy but also the psychology of a team on edge. The locker room knows that big changes could come if this season disappoints. Johnson’s voice has to carry belief, not just information.
What Success Looks Like
Success in 2025 doesn’t necessarily mean a Super Bowl run. For the Bears, success may look like:
- Fields throwing for over 3,500 yards with 25+ touchdowns
- A top-15 scoring offense
- Reduced turnovers and sacks
- Improved third-down and red-zone efficiency
- Offensive continuity that carries into 2026
If Johnson can deliver that, the franchise will have its foundation. Fields could be extended. Johnson could be lauded as a visionary. The Bears could finally stop searching for answers under center.
However, a poor start or continued inconsistency could force the team’s hand. With Caleb Williams waiting in the wings, Johnson’s job becomes exponentially harder if Fields falters early. That’s the unforgiving nature of the NFL.
The Weight of Opportunity
As OTAs roll on, the Chicago Bears are holding their breath. Each throw, each practice, each decision is under the microscope. Ben Johnson, known for his cerebral approach and innovative mind, is now being tested in real-time.
Can he be the coach who finally figures out Justin Fields? Can he unite a fractured offense? Can he outsmart defensive coordinators who are already crafting game plans for Week 1?
The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but also immense opportunity. For Johnson, this is a defining moment in his coaching career. For Fields, this is redemption—or the end of the line.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, narratives can change in an instant. But if the early signs at OTAs are any indication, Ben Johnson is ready to rewrite Chicago’s story.
And Justin Fields is ready to be its protagonist.
One play at a time.