Sun Jan 18 15:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Bears’ Offensive Transformation Under Ben Johnson Draws Praise from Hall of Famer Ed Reed
The Story:
Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed has lauded the Chicago Bears’ offensive transformation under coach Ben Johnson, specifically highlighting the team’s effective use of condensed formations and pre-snap motion. In a Microsoft Copilot breakdown, Reed analyzed how these strategies, also employed by the Los Angeles Rams, create challenges for opposing defenses. He stressed that disrupting the timing and communication of these offensive schemes is key to slowing down both teams, emphasizing physicality with receivers and diligent defensive communication.
Key Points:
- Ed Reed highlights Ben Johnson’s offensive strategies with the Chicago Bears, focusing on condensed formations and motion.
- Condensed formations force defenses to reveal their coverage pre-snap.
- Pre-snap motion complicates defensive assignments and communication.
- Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates confirms the complexity of defending against such offenses.
- Reed’s advice for stopping the Bears and the Rams involves physical play with receivers and clear defensive communication.
- The upcoming game between the Bears and Rams on Sunday night may hinge on which team best executes Reed’s defensive strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- The Chicago Bears are showing significant offensive improvements under coach Ben Johnson, with schemes that challenge opposing defenses.
- Condensed formations and pre-snap motion are becoming increasingly prevalent offensive strategies in the NFL.
- Defensive communication and physicality are crucial for mitigating the effectiveness of these offensive schemes.
- Hall of Fame players like Ed Reed are now utilizing platforms like Microsoft Copilot to provide in-depth analysis of NFL gameplay.
- The Los Angeles Rams share similar offensive traits with the Bears, making Reed’s analysis relevant to both teams.
First Piper 