Colin Cowherd, speaking on "The Herd," has identified Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson as the team's most important piece, suggesting his influence is paramount to the team's success, even with a 3-1 record featuring three different starting quarterbacks this season.
Cowherd pointed to the Bears' recent 23-12 victory over the New York Jets, where backup quarterback Tyson Bagent and reserve running back Kyle Monangai led the offense. Bagent threw for 268 yards, while Monangai achieved a career-high 30 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the absence of presumed starter Caleb Williams, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury for the second consecutive game, the Bears' offense generated over 400 yards and controlled possession for nearly 43 minutes. The team set a franchise record with 34 first downs and did not punt during the game.
"It is a quarterback-first league, but the guy who builds the culture is the coach," Cowherd stated. "I think we've discovered in the last two weeks, as gifted as Caleb Williams is, the centerpiece of the Bears is Ben Johnson."
Cowherd also highlighted the Bears' consistent commitment to a strong running game under Johnson. He noted that this was the fifth time since Johnson's tenure began that the team has rushed for over 220 yards in a game, a significant achievement in the current NFL landscape.
This perspective extends to other victories, including a Week 3 win against the Eagles where veteran quarterback Case Keenum started. Cowherd attributes these varied successes to Johnson's coaching system rather than relying on a specific player.
"He's done it with an old quarterback who we thought was retired, Case Keenum... He's done it with a backup in Bagent. He's done it with Caleb Williams stylistically. It just doesn't matter," Cowherd remarked, emphasizing that his analysis does not diminish Williams' talent.
Cowherd drew parallels between Johnson and other influential offensive minds in the league, such as Sean McVay of the Rams and Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers, whom he considers the central figures of their respective franchises. He also mentioned Liam Coen as an example of an offensive coach who has elevated team performance.