The Chicago Bears dominated the Cleveland Browns, 34-10, in Saturday’s preseason matchup at Soldier Field.
After being tied 10-10 going into the third quarter, veteran Case Keenum took over for Tyson Bagent at quarterback. Keenum led the Bears on a four-play, 78-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 49-yard screen pass to running back Salvon Ahmed.
There was something different about that drive and every offensive play called for the final two quarters.
Ben Johnson's decision with Bears coach Antwaan Randle El might change things in the future
“If you noticed a difference in terms of offensive execution and it looked better in the second half, that's really because of Antwaan Randle El calling it there in the second half,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said. “I thought he did a phenomenal job with Case taking the reins and then transition on over to (QB) Miller (Moss) just to see how he was trying to stay in their wheelhouse. He was part of the quarterback meeting last night, and we were talking about what was on the call sheet and their favorites and all that. And I think it was a phenomenal experience for him, and I know our guys rallied around that as well. So, I’ll open it up from there.”
Before the preseason game, the last time Johnson called an offensive play against an opposing team was in the Bears’ 20-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on January 18. The preseason is time to shake off the rust, even for an experienced play caller like Johnson.
But the Bears' head coach wasn’t just thinking about himself in the game against the Browns. He gave his colleague and friend a chance to see what the veteran coach's future could look like.
“I think we might take a look at a couple guys here during the preseason,” Johnson said. “Last year, Declan (Doyle) had an opportunity in one of those games to do the second half. So, I wanted El to get that chance and he wanted it too. I think he's an outstanding coach, and I think sometimes when you're put in certain position rooms, you kind of get labeled one thing or another. Here's the thing about El, I think he's got a chance to be an offensive coordinator in this league. I think he's got a chance to be a head coach in this league. I think he would do a phenomenal job in both those respects, and I don't know if he gets that type of credit around the league right now. So, it's a good opportunity for him to get some recognition.”
Somebody who would vouch for Randle El as a play caller is Keenum, who finished with 159 passing yards and two touchdowns in three drives.
Keenum on what stood out from Randle El calling plays: “For one, he liked to throw it. He told us he would. And that was when the forecast called for a ton of rain. Which I don’t mind. I like that. We know where we’re cutting. They don’t know where we are cutting, but it felt comfortable. I felt like I knew what he was trying to get. We call it ‘play caller’s intent.’ And he did a great job of, whatever the situation was, feeling it out and getting to a play that gave us a good chance to make plays.”
The Bears scored 24 unanswered points in the second half and produced 199 passing yards. It’s a good start for Randle El, and Johnson’s willingness to hand off play-calling duties shows how dedicated he is to empowering his staff, a sign of not just a great coach, but an even better leader.
Randle El can take this preseason opportunity and build off it for the next time he calls plays, which only makes him an even more enticing candidate whenever he gets an opportunity to move up the NFL coaching ladder. Keenum's opinion holds weight because he understands what a quarterback needs in a play caller to succeed.
Read more: It took 1 Bears preseason game for Jamree Kromah to announce his arrival
Randle El checks many of the boxes to one day become a head coach or offensive play caller, and now he can cite the Bears' preseason win over the Browns as his latest accomplishment.
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