Are the Chicago Bears for real? Is this what it finally took? A Black Friday victory over the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles should surely get the attention of national media, right?
For so long, the Bears had been used to negative national attention. What a difference a year makes. Speaking of a year ago, Caleb Williams was coming fresh off a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions after one of the worst examples of coaching malpractice in league history.
In his postgame interview with sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung, after the win over Philly, Williams was asked about his new head coach, Ben Johnson, in contrast to his former head coach Matt Eberflus who was fired exactly a year ago after the Bears' Thanksgiving debacle.
"Consistency. That's all he's been. That's all he's preached. That's what he said he was gonna be for us and for me, and you can't ask for anything else other than that," said Williams on the live broadcast.
This cannot be overstated: a year ago, Bears fans were at one of their lowest points wondering when the misery was going to end and calling for the head of yet another head coach.
Caleb Williams stated the blatant difference between Ben Johnson and Matt Eberflus
Remember when Johnson came to Chicago and held his opening press conference? One of the biggest takeaways from his time with the media was his level of expectation. He laid the foundation by letting everyone know that he will expect the best, expect to win, and win now.
Some might have laughed him off. Others likely held the "I'll believe it when I see it" opinion.
But, here we are after 13 weeks and the Bears are 9-3 and atop the NFC North. They are coming off a road win over the reigning champs, in a hostile environment and did it in convincing fashion.
Johnson has not only changed the culture for the better, but he's helped this team hold their belief. Not only that, but the belief and confidence continues to rise. This isn't just a bunch of coach speak and happy-go-lucky fluff.
No, Johnson is the real deal. It's not only Chicago fans who are noticing. The national audience is starting to understand this, now. The Bears got themselves one heck of a head coach.
Eberflus couldn't dream of instilling the type of confidence and consistency Johnson has been able to implement. This isn't dunking on Eberflus as much as it is reminiscing (wrong word choice, maybe?) about the hard times that took place not so long ago.
Read more: Greg Olsen revealed the Ben Johnson truth that was long in the making
Johnson has done wonders for Chicago, and it's only Year 1.