Coach Ben Johnson is not one to puff his chest after a victory. But he should. Especially with the way he led the Chicago Bears in outclassing the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football in Soldier Field.
Johnson made the Eagles look lost, running away with the 20-point win, 27-7, despite missing Caleb Williams, who is dealing with a hamstring injury. Johnson tapped Case Keenum, who delivered a masterful performance in his first game since 2023.
On “Speakeasy,” Emmanuel Acho gave the 40-year-old coach his flowers. And chocolates. And a giant teddy bear.
“What Ben Johnson was able to dial up for Case Keenum was one of the most impressive things you will see all season. Because the Bears came out incredibly multiple on offense. You come out, so the Eagles are trying to figure out, ‘Do we play base defense or do we play nickel defense?'” said Acho.
“If you play nickel defense, the Bears are running the ball down the Eagles' throats. If you want to sit here and play base defense, ‘Okay, we're going to air you all out. You already know you're weak in the secondary.'”
Ben Johnson attacked the Eagles scheme and specific Eagles players. It was a football masterclass @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/GBQA8pGTCn
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 29, 2026
Acho, who had a two-year stint with the Eagles, added that Johnson “also attacked people,” underscoring his impressive preparation.
“He made sure to put Cooper DeJean, Tariq Woolen, and (Andrew) Mukuba in positions where they have to communicate, knowing that you're talking about a guy in Andrew Mukuba, who missed time last year, and a guy in Tariq Woolen, who just got to the Philadelphia Eagles,” added Acho.
Keenum went 24-of-34 for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also ran for a score.
The veteran quarterback lauded Johnson for being “in his bag” and allowing him to shine.
The Bears, who improved to 2-1, will host the New York Jets in Week 4.