The Ben Johnson effect is real.
Although the Bears’ offense has been inconsistent through the first six games of the 2025 NFL season, the unit has generated the most big plays per game with 8.0.
Most big plays thru Week 7: pic.twitter.com/r63maUwr1U
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) October 21, 2025
A big play is categorized as a run of 10 or more yards and a reception of 20 or more. The Bears have 27 rushes that have gone for 10 yards or more, which is the second-most behind the Commanders’ 28 runs. The Bears also have 21 receptions of 20 yards or more, giving Chicago a total of 48 big plays.
The Los Angeles Rams have 50 big plays, but have achieved that number in one more game played than the Bears.
How the Bears have been able to display their big play potential lately
In the Bears’ 26-14 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Soldier Field, Chicago created 12 big plays (nine rushes and three passes). The run game exploded for 222 total yards on 40 attempts. Running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai had consistent rushing lanes created by the offensive line and tight ends, and the two Bears' running backs capitalized.
For Johnson’s offense, this is something that Caleb Williams and the rest of the unit should be proud of as they continue to learn the nuances of the scheme. But by no means is the Bears’ offense anywhere close to being a finished product.
During Johnson’s Monday media availability, the Bears’ head coach was asked about cleaning up the offense, which consisted of several presnap penalties and some failed quarterback exchanges in the victory over the Saints.
“We have to get it all cleaned up,” Johnson said. “Good teams don’t have so many self-inflicted wounds.”
Read more: Kyle Monangai shares what Eric Bieniemy's lofty goal is for each Bears RB
Despite clear issues that need to be addressed on offense, it’s encouraging that the unit is still generating explosive plays at a high rate. Johnson was one of the most highly coveted coaches for a reason, and his play designs and schemes are already paying dividends for the Bears this season.