Ben Johnson's coaching influence impacted Bears' offense in more ways than one

You can see it in the offense.
Chicago Bears v Green Bay Packers
Chicago Bears v Green Bay Packers | Patrick McDermott/GettyImages

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has shown a lot in his first year leading this team, particularly in the different ways he has constructed this offense.

Johnson has found creative ways to help the offense become one of the NFL's top rushing attacks, led by running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. He's also been able to help mask some of Caleb Williams accuracy issues with clever pass plays called.

Many people in the NFL, like former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, have seen the influence of former St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz on Johnson's offense. Chicago's head coach talked about how Martz's influence is on the offense.

"I've met him a couple of times. I have a ton of respect for him. He certainly believes in what he believes in. We are more of a mutt of many systems."

Johnson's offense is in some ways different from Martz's offense

It's hard to compare the most incredible show on turf with the Bears' offense when they are only in their first year of being together in Johnson's system. The Rams had Hall of Famers and star players all around, like Warner, Marshall Faulk, Issac Bruce, and Torry Holt.

Chicago is young and has the potential to get there, but multiple first or second-year players make up this offense. Williams, Monangai, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland, and Ozzy Trapilo are all still developing as players and haven't reached their full potential.

One thing that Martz and Johnson have in common is adapting their offenses to their strengths. Martz had to do that as the offensive coordinator for the Rams in Warner's first year as the starter, and it led to a Super Bowl title. Johnson has done the same thing with Williams, since he has a different skill set than he had with the Detroit Lions with Jared Goff.

Johnson's work has resulted in the NFL's fifth-ranked offense, which averages 369.7 yards per game. It helps to have the NFL's No. 2 rushing attack, averaging 152.6 yards per game.

Read more: Bears' final Week 15 injury report only muddied up Rome Odunze's status vs. Browns

There's no better influence to have on the offensive side of the ball than Martz, who's considered one of the great offensive minds in NFL history. Johnson has the potential with this Bears offense to get there once the young group of players reaches their full potential.

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