The Chicago Bears lost 2025 offensive coordinator Declan Doyle to the Baltimore Ravens last offseason after Jesse Minter allowed him the chance to call plays, and Ben Johnson's understudy has come out of the gate swinging.
The Ravens put up 28 first-half points against the Indianapolis Colts on the road, and it could have been more due to a failed fourth-down conversion at the three-yard line. Jackson amassed over 235 total yards passing and rushing while accounting for two touchdowns, while Derrick Henry tallied two more, moving to third all-time in rushing touchdowns.
If this is a sign of what is in store for Baltimore this season, Doyle's offensive edge is sure to get some attention around the league. Even though Johnson is only in his second season in charge of the Bears, his offensive mind may be such a wealth of knowledge that ripping it off elsewhere can be a winning formula.
Former Chicago Bears OC Declan Doyle started off hot in Ravens debut
Doyle is just 30 years old and has spent only two seasons as anything more than an offensive assistant. Hiring someone who had never called plays at the NFL level with that short of a resume was a risk, but Minter trusted in what being in proximity to Johnson can provide, and the results so far have been very encouraging.
Doyle has been able to study at the foot of one of the most productive and innovative offensive minds in Johnson, and the early returns seem to suggest he has taken some very astute lessons while molding himself into a quality coach. Perhaps Doyle can be the first in a long line of quality offensive coaches who come from Johnson in the same vein as what Sean McVay produces in Los Angeles.
Declan Doyle starring is good news for Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson
If Doyle implements the principles that made Chicago's offense such a success last year, namely a more vertical passing game and more misdirection before the snap, could be what Jackson needs to get back on track. If Lamar returns to MVP form, Doyle may not be in Baltimore as an assistant for long.
As for Johnson, who replaced Doyle with former Jaguars and Eagles assistant Press Taylor, 2026 has started out just as well for him, on one side of the ball at least. The Bears put up 31 first-half points on the road against a Carolina Panthers team that made it to the playoffs last year on the back of three Caleb Williams touchdowns.
It's always hard to gauge how responsible a coordinator who doesn't call plays like Doyle is in the operation of a high-octane offense. Are they a solid sounding board who helps find wrinkles that the play-calling coach uses to great effect, or are they a Nathaniel Hackett-type coach who is buddies with the head honcho and takes a back seat?
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If Doyle even looks half this good for most of his first shot calling plays in Baltimore, fans in Chicago will have their answer.
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