Ben Johnson Fires Back at Lions Players After Being Accused of Using Detroit’s Playbook in Chicago

When asked about it, Johnson admitted that the similarities weren’t accidental. He explained that he simply reused the same preseason blueprint he had leaned on for years in Detroit. Still, he hinted that Chicago hasn’t yet revealed its full arsenal.

“It’s a whole different roster, so the plan is to highlight what our guys do best,” Johnson told Kay Adams on Up & Adams. “We’ve got playmakers at every position, and the real challenge for us as coaches is making sure everyone gets touches. This preseason game plan is the same one I’ve run the last four years, so of course it looks familiar. But once the season starts, we’re going to have some fun.”

While some might assume the Bears will just mimic the Lions’ offensive style, the reality is more nuanced. For one, quarterbacks Jared Goff and rookie Caleb Williams bring very different skill sets. Chicago also boasts its own offensive weapons in DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, D’Andre Swift, and Cole Kmet—all of whom will be deployed in ways unique to their strengths.

Chicago’s final preseason test comes against the Kansas City Chiefs, after which Johnson and the Bears will officially debut their regular-season playbook.