Introduction to the Upcoming Game
The Bears’ new head coach, Ben Johnson, has a history of dominating the Vikings, with his teams scoring 30 or more points against Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores every time he’s called plays against him. “That’d be nice,” Bears tight end Cole Kmet said. Whether it’s realistic is another question altogether — and one the Bears’ new head coach will answer when he faces the Vikings in their “Monday Night Football” opener.
Past Performance Against the Vikings
Johnson and Flores have squared off against each other four times as play-callers — twice in each of the last two years, with the Lions winning every game. In 2024, the Lions averaged 31 points and 323 yards in two games against Flores. The rest of the league averaged 17 and 356 against him. In 2023, the Lions averaged 30 points and 419 yards in two games against the Vikings. The rest of the NFL averaged 19 points and 354 yards.
The Challenge of Replicating Success
“We’re a completely different team — I’ve been saying that all along,” Johnson said Tuesday. “It’d be easy just to copy and paste the plan from the past, but that’s not the case. It’s not who we are, that’s not what we’re gonna do.” So what will the Bears do? They’ll try to stay efficient on first down so as to not let Flores dial up blitzes on second- or third-and-long. They’ll give quarterback Caleb Williams easy reads — or as easy as they can be, given Flores’ propensity to put defensive backs on the move either right before the snap or just after it.
Game Plan and Strategy
Williams was solid against the Vikings last year, posting a 96.7 passer rating and throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions in two losses. He was sacked five times — a big number, but still below his league-worst average of four per game. That performance gives Johnson belief that Williams will handle Monday’s game well, but he knows Flores has something up his sleeve. The Bears will likely help out Braxton Jones, who was named the starting left tackle Tuesday, with blocks from their tight ends and running backs. They figure to lean into their run game, too. The last four games against the Vikings, Johnson has called plays that led to 10 rushing touchdowns and 4.6 yards per carry.
Adapting to the Vikings’ Defense
Johnson, though, reserves the right to tilt his play-calling to either extreme. That’s what Flores does on his side of the ball. “If that means we can run the ball 50 times a game, great,” Johnson said. “If that means we need to throw it 50 times a game, that’s great as well. We’re going to find a way to move the ball ahead, and each week’s kind of its own puzzle that we’re looking to solve.” This week’s task, though, is unique. “What doesn’t create a challenge?” Johnson said. “He’s an outstanding coach. All kind of issues.”
The Vikings’ Defensive Strengths
Consider: No NFL team blitzed more often than the Vikings, who brought an extra rusher 38.9% of the time last year. The Vikings led the NFL with 33 takeaways last season. They had a league-high 24 interceptions and were tied for 13th with nine fumble recoveries. Linebackers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel finished tied for fifth and eighth in the league in sacks last year, respectively. The Vikings were the second-best defense in the NFL on third downs and the best on fourth downs.
Conclusion
Johnson has spent his whole life waiting for his own first game as head coach. He’s got a plan ready. “We’ve got some things that we feel really good about getting our guys in space, potentially,” Johnson said, “and letting them go to work.” The Bears are ready to face the Vikings and their challenging defense, and only time will tell if Johnson’s plan will be successful.
FAQs
Q: How many times has Ben Johnson scored 30 or more points against the Vikings?
A: Every time he’s called plays against them.
Q: What is the Vikings’ defense known for?
A: Blitzing often, with 38.9% of plays featuring an extra rusher, and being strong on third and fourth downs.
Q: Who is the Bears’ starting left tackle?
A: Braxton Jones.
Q: What is the key to the Bears’ success against the Vikings?
A: Staying efficient on first down and giving quarterback Caleb Williams easy reads.
