As the Chicago Bears gear up for their Week 10 matchup against the New York Giants, head coach Ben Johnson’s offense is showing more rhythm and explosiveness — particularly after a dominant Week 9 performance.
Despite New York’s disappointing 2-7 record, Johnson made it clear he isn’t taking them lightly. He even called the Giants’ defensive front “the best” his team will face all season, underscoring his respect for their physicality.
Johnson is known for his meticulous game planning, and a big part of that preparation includes identifying weaknesses on tape — often through trick plays.
“We’ve got them pretty much every week,” Johnson revealed in an interview with Jeff Joniak. “Sometimes we carry them over if they still fit the game plan. Usually, we’ll have anywhere from three to eight depending on the matchup and situation.”
Could a Trick Play Be Coming for Darnell Wright?
When asked about right tackle Darnell Wright’s performance, Johnson couldn’t stop praising his young lineman’s athleticism — but one specific remark raised eyebrows.
“I call him a unicorn for a reason,” Johnson said. “He can do things you don’t usually see from a player at his position. We’ve got to keep finding ways to show off what he can do — with or without the ball.”
That last part — “with or without the ball” — might not sound like much at first, but for a head coach known for his creativity, it’s telling. Johnson has a history of drawing up unusual plays for his offensive linemen. During his time as offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions, he famously designed plays that got the ball into Penei Sewell’s hands.
So when Johnson talks about “highlighting” Wright’s abilities, it’s fair to wonder if something special is in the works. The Bears already mixed in a few trick plays last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, experimenting with different personnel looks.
Whether intentional or not, Johnson’s comments may have given away a hint that the Bears could try something unconventional this weekend. Keep an eye on Wright — he might just be part of Johnson’s next creative masterpiece.
