Chicago Bears Offense Ignites Under Ben Johnson: Four Wins and 25+ Points as Ravens Face Lamar Jackson Setback

In a stunning turnaround that’s electrifying the NFL landscape, the Chicago Bears‘ offense has erupted for 25 or more points in each of their last four games—all decisive victories—propelling them toward a marquee matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. This surge comes under the innovative guidance of new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, whose schemes have transformed a once-anemic unit into a high-octane powerhouse. As the Bears gear up for Sunday’s clash at Soldier Field, the Ravens grapple with a massive blow: star quarterback Lamar Jackson is sidelined with a lingering ankle injury, leaving their defense vulnerable to Chicago’s red-hot attack.

The Bears, long plagued by offensive inconsistencies, have now outscored opponents by an average of 18 points per game in this streak, boasting a total of 112 points across those contests. This isn’t just statistical noise; it’s a narrative of redemption for a franchise desperate to return to playoff contention. With Johnson at the helm, players like quarterback Justin Fields have found rhythm, while the running game led by D’Onta Foreman has become a force multiplier. As the NFL playoff picture sharpens, this Bears resurgence could redefine their season—and potentially spoil Baltimore’s Super Bowl aspirations.

Bears’ Four-Game Tear: Breaking Down the Offensive Fireworks

The Chicago Bears‘ recent offensive renaissance has been nothing short of spectacular, marked by four consecutive wins where they’ve consistently hit the 25-point threshold—a feat not achieved since their 2018 playoff run. In their latest triumph, a 28-17 dismantling of the Detroit Lions, the Bears’ offense racked up 412 total yards, with 185 coming from a balanced rushing attack that featured Foreman’s 102 yards on 18 carries. Fields, often criticized for his decision-making, completed 22 of 30 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns, including a pinpoint 42-yard strike to wide receiver DJ Moore that sealed the game in the fourth quarter.

Looking back at the streak, the numbers paint a picture of sustained dominance. Against the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago exploded for 31 points, leveraging a no-huddle offense that kept defenses off-balance and forced three turnovers. The prior week versus the Green Bay Packers saw 27 points, highlighted by a trick play where tight end Cole Kmet threw a 15-yard touchdown pass. Even in a gritty 25-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the Bears’ red-zone efficiency stood out: they converted all four trips into touchdowns, thanks to Johnson’s creative play-calling that incorporated motion and misdirection.

Statistically, the Bears’ offense now ranks 12th in the NFL for points per game at 24.8, a massive leap from their 15.2 average through the first eight weeks. Yards per play have jumped to 5.8, up from a league-worst 4.2 earlier in the season. “Ben has unlocked something in this group,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said post-Lions game. “We’re not just scoring; we’re dictating the tempo of every drive.” This offensive surge has masked some defensive lapses, but with wins over .500 teams, it’s clear the Bears are no fluke.

Key contributors have emerged under Johnson’s system. Moore leads the team with 68 receptions for 892 yards and eight touchdowns, while running back Khalil Herbert has added 542 rushing yards and five scores. The offensive line, bolstered by rookie tackle Darnell Wright, has allowed just two sacks in the last four games, giving Fields the protection needed to thrive. As the Bears face the Ravens, this momentum could prove pivotal, especially against a Baltimore secondary that’s surrendered 1,200 passing yards over their last three outings.

Ben Johnson’s Masterclass: How the New Coordinator Revived Chicago’s Attack

Ben Johnson, the 36-year-old offensive savant who jumped from the Detroit Lions to the Chicago Bears this offseason, has quickly become the architect of the team’s offensive revival. Hired after a controversial mid-season shakeup that saw the previous coordinator fired, Johnson brought with him a reputation for innovative, player-friendly schemes that emphasize pre-snap motion, play-action, and explosive plays. In his first four games calling plays, the Bears have averaged 385 yards per game, a 22% increase from the prior regime.

Johnson’s philosophy, rooted in his time under Lions head coach Dan Campbell, focuses on adaptability. “We tailor the game plan to our strengths,” Johnson explained in a midweek press conference. “Justin [Fields] has elite arm talent, so we build around deep shots and quick decisions. The run game sets up the pass, and vice versa.” This approach was evident in the Bears’ 34-24 rout of the Carolina Panthers, where they ran 62 plays, mixing 28 rushes with 34 passes to keep defenses guessing. Johnson’s use of personnel groupings—frequently deploying 11-personnel (three receivers) for 65% of snaps—has stretched the field and created mismatches.

But it’s not just schemes; Johnson’s player development has been transformative. He spends extra hours in film rooms with Fields, refining footwork and progressions, which has cut Fields’ interception rate in half. Receivers like Moore and Keenan Allen (acquired via trade) credit Johnson’s detailed walkthroughs for their chemistry. “He sees the game like a chess master,” Moore told reporters. “Every route has a purpose, and it makes us better.”

The impact extends to the trenches. Johnson’s emphasis on zone-blocking schemes has revitalized the offensive line, turning journeyman guards into anchors. In a league where offenses often stall in the red zone—the Bears converted just 45% under the old coordinator—they now boast a 72% touchdown rate, ranking top-five in the NFL. As Chicago prepares for Baltimore, Johnson’s bag of tricks could exploit the Ravens’ depleted secondary, where cornerback Marlon Humphrey is also nursing a hamstring issue.

Critics once dubbed the Bears’ offense a “black hole,” but Johnson’s influence has sparked a cultural shift. Practices are more intense, with walkthroughs incorporating walkthroughs of Ravens tendencies. If this trajectory holds, Johnson could be in line for head-coaching interviews come January, much like his mentor Sean McVay.

Ravens’ Woe Without Lamar: Defensive Vulnerabilities Exposed

The Baltimore Ravens, perennial NFL contenders, enter this matchup reeling from the absence of dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson, who’s ruled out for at least two more weeks with a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 10. Jackson’s void is seismic: the Ravens’ offense drops from 28.4 points per game with him to a middling 19.2 without, as backup Tyler Huntley steps in with limited arm strength and mobility. This comes at a dire time, as Baltimore’s defense—once the league’s stingiest—has allowed 24 points per game over the last three contests, including a shocking 27-20 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Without Jackson’s 2,148 passing yards and 612 rushing yards this season, the Ravens lean on running back Gus Edwards, who’s averaged 4.8 yards per carry but faces a Bears front seven that’s swarmed ball carriers for under 80 yards in three of their last four games. Huntley’s inefficiency is stark: in three starts last year, he completed just 62% of passes for 678 yards and four interceptions. “Lamar is our engine,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh admitted. “We have to grind it out, but it’s tough against a surging team like Chicago.”

Baltimore’s defense, led by Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, remains formidable, ranking third in sacks with 35. However, they’ve struggled against spread offenses like Johnson’s, yielding 265 passing yards to Joe Burrow in a recent loss. The secondary, without Humphrey, could be torched by Fields’ legs— he’s rushed for 412 yards and four touchdowns this year. Ravens edge rusher Justin Madubuike, with 8.5 sacks, will be key, but the Bears’ quick-release passes have neutralized pass rushers league-wide.

Historically, the Ravens own a 6-3 edge over the Bears since 2000, but this iteration of Chicago is different. Baltimore’s 7-4 record keeps them atop the AFC North, but a loss could drop them into a wild-card dogfight with the Steelers and Browns. Jackson’s rehab is progressing, per team reports, but for now, the Ravens must navigate this storm without their MVP.

Clash at Soldier Field: Tactical Edges and Player Matchups to Watch

Sunday’s showdown at Soldier Field pits the Bears’ resurgent offense against a Ravens team fighting to stay afloat, with several intriguing matchups that could swing the game. Foremost is Fields versus Baltimore’s aggressive front, where linebacker Patrick Queen has 89 tackles but struggled containing mobile QBs, allowing 112 rushing yards to Deshaun Watson earlier this season. Fields, with his 4.4 speed, could extend plays and turn short gains into explosives, especially if Johnson dials up read-options.

Another focal point: DJ Moore against Ravens safety Marcus Williams. Moore’s 14.3 yards per catch average exploits deep coverage, and Williams’ coverage rating has dipped to 78.2 per Pro Football Focus amid Baltimore’s three-game slide. On the flip side, Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (if active) faces Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who’s notched 72 tackles and two forced fumbles. Chicago’s secondary, with Jaylon Johnson locking down top receivers, could force Huntley into mistakes.

Tactically, expect Johnson to attack Baltimore’s man coverage with bunch formations, while Harbaugh counters with simulated pressures to disrupt rhythm. Weather in Chicago—forecasted at 38 degrees with wind—favors the Bears’ ground game. Odds have Chicago as a 3-point favorite, a testament to their form. “This is our statement game,” Fields said. “Beating a powerhouse like Baltimore without their best player? That puts us on the map.”

Fans are buzzing, with ticket sales up 40% since the Bears’ streak began. Broadcast on FOX, this game could draw 15 million viewers, highlighting the NFL’s dramatic mid-season twists.

Playoff Push: Bears’ Surge Reshapes NFC North and Beyond

A victory over the Ravens would catapult the Bears to 7-5, injecting life into their playoff hopes and intensifying the NFC North race. Currently tied with the Packers at 6-5, Chicago’s tiebreaker edge (head-to-head win) positions them for a wild-card spot, potentially their first since 2020. Johnson’s offense has not only won games but built confidence; a six-game win streak isn’t out of reach if they navigate December’s slate against the Lions, Vikings, and Eagles.

For the Ravens, the implications are graver. A second straight loss without Jackson could see them slip to third in the AFC North, complicating their path to the No. 1 seed. Harbaugh’s squad eyes a Super Bowl repeat after last year’s appearance, but defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald must shore up leaks— they’ve allowed 400+ yards in back-to-back games. Jackson’s return in Week 14 versus the Steelers is targeted, but until then, depth players like wideout Zay Flowers (45 catches, 612 yards) must step up.

League-wide, the Bears’ story under Ben Johnson underscores the NFL’s volatility. Teams like the Lions and 49ers have thrived with young coordinators; Chicago could join that elite if the surge sustains. Analysts project the Bears finishing 10-7, earning a home playoff game. As Soldier Field roars to life, this clash isn’t just for points—it’s a launchpad for greater ambitions in the NFL’s unforgiving grind.