Don't expect the production meetings this week with Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson to be as chatty as they usually are, with an interesting twist for this week's Pittsburgh Steelers Week 12 game.
CBS will be broadcasting the game with Ian Eagle calling the game alongside former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt. The only problem? J.J. Watt's brother, T.J. Watt, is on the other side with the Steelers as one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL.
That's something Bears head coach Ben Johnson is very much aware of when meeting with the CBS team. While having some fun with it, Johnson knows it is something he has to be careful with.
"Yeah, we'll be mindful of that as well. I think we had them a few weeks ago, also. So, I'm sure he wouldn't do anything like that, though (Johnson smiles)."
Johnson will have his hands full working Bears protections against T.J. Watt
Similar to having to prepare to block Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Johnson will have some trouble keeping T.J. Watt at bay in Week 12. Watt has six sacks and an interception this season for the Steelers, playing his way to another Pro Bowl selection.
The most likely matchup to watch for in the game is between Watt and either Darnell Wright or Theo Benedet. Don't be surprised if the Steelers try to attack Benedet more, as he has been weak in pass protection this season.
Johnson has been able to work through that by adding a tight end in pass protection. He praised Cole Kmet earlier this week for his blocking, so that could be the key to at least slowing down Watt, whichever side he is rushing from.
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It's no doubt a nightmare matchup for the Bears, as Johnson will have to get creative to ensure they don't run the offensive play in Watt's direction. Keeping the ball as far away from Watt as possible is a good strategy for any team to follow, but even more important to a 7-3 Bears team needing a win.