For Chicago Bears fans, the news of hiring head coach Ben Johnson is ages old. But, it certainly never gets old to talk about.
The renewed hope and energy Johnson has brought to Halas Hall is noticeable. It's been evident through player and front office reactions, but especially within the reactions of this fan base. The entire city is buzzing.
Johnson has been known as one of the better offensive minds of this past decade or so. It's fair to say we haven't seen a coaching candidate like him since maybe Sean McVay or Kyle Shanahan.
The creativity and boldness of Johnson's offense is second to none around the league, and he's bringing that combination to Chicago. What a world we're living in.
It isn't just the offensive mind, the creativity and the boldness that have captivated the players so far, though. In fact, those aspects of Johnson are the furthest from the mind of wide receiver DJ Moore. His first impression of his new head coach had nothing to do with the likes of his offensive mind.
No, instead, Moore's first impression was pretty simple and something we haven't heard about a Bears head coach.
DJ Moore was left feeling scared after initially meeting new Bears head coach Ben Johnson
The team captain told NFL personality Kay Adams exactly how Johnson left him feeling after that initial first meeting.
"I was left being scared," Moore said. "He said be comfortable being uncomfortable."
Then, Adams followed up by asking him "He left you scared? Do I like that?"
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Moore simply responded with, "You should."
Ah, yes. So, the fact that Moore was left frightened isn't necessarily a bad thing. This is exactly what Bears fans probably thought, too. The level of seriousness from Johnson, in his opening press conference, was unfamiliar to the fan base.
Johnson speaking on player accountability and of course the notion of getting comfortable being uncomfortable was refreshingly honest and much-needed. In the same interview, fellow wide receiver Rome Odunze noted that his intensity was something this team needed.
"I liked his intensity. He brought a level of intensity that was inspiring and uplifting ... that's what we need," Odunze said.
This is right on par with what Bears fans assumed all of last season. After hearing about the lack of tough coaching and accountability within that locker room and players basically begging to be coached harder, this type of response from Moore and Odunze is a positive.
Here's to hoping Johnson's intensity and commitment to accountability truly do reinvent this Bears team on a moment's notice.