We are over halfway into the season and the Chicago Bears are sitting atop the NFC North. Count most Bears fans as folks who didn't necessarily see that coming, but this can all be traced back to one key offseason move.
It's all about the Ben Johnson effect, people. It's real. It's here to stay. It's the number one reason why these Bears have continued to win games. And, after their latest win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL legend, Hall of Famer and CBS Sports commentator JJ Watt gave credit where credit is due.
"Ben Johnson is the real deal," Watt started out saying.
"Minimizes risk for his players while also taking full advantage of weaknesses in defenses. But not only that, his personality and leadership is phenomenal. He has been spectacular in our meetings so far this year.
"It’s still early, but going off what we’ve seen so far, Chicago found themselves one hell of a head coach."
JJ Watt hit the nail on the head with his Ben Johnson take, and Bears fans know it
The only question is, do Vikings, Packers and Lions fans know it as well? Or are they going to continue to pretend like this isn't reality?
Watt is a football icon. He's someone who took over the league during the years of his prime. He knows good football when he sees it. He knows good coaching when he sees it. And, he sees it in Chicago.
It isn't hard to believe that Johnson has been fantastic in their meetings this year. He doesn't strike you as the type who has a different personality for specific circumstances or situations. Johnson is a no-nonsense coach who will absolutely expect and extract the best out of each one of his players.
He's a coach who instills confidence and belief -- something the Bears haven't had in a very long time.
That's the key, right there. If Johnson is able to get these Bears to fully believe they can win on a week-in, week-out basis, when they are down several starters to injury, then what happens when the team gets healthier?
What happens when they're not running out of linebackers mid-game? What happens when they get back on the of the NFL's best cornerbacks in Jaylon Johnson, paired with a top-5 slot cornerback in Kyler Gordon?
What happens when Caleb Williams continues to take steps forward in one of the most creative and potentially-electric offenses in football?
If Johnson is doing this right now, just imagine how these Bears could look down the line.
Read more: Ben Johnson's locker room speech said what all Bears fans were thinking
Watt is right -- Chicago got themselves one outstanding coach.