After his Chicago Bears were dismantled 52-21 by the Detroit Lions on Sunday, head coach Ben Johnson was asked a question that seemed to sting: Did his former boss, Dan Campbell, try to run up the score late in the game?
Johnson didn’t hesitate to fire back at the suggestion.
“What’s he supposed to do? Yeah, he could’ve kicked a field goals,” Johnson said. “They don’t kick field goals. They go for it there. That’s what he does.”
#Bears HC Ben Johnson on if Dan Campbell was trying to run up the score on him — especially when they went for it on 4th down and scored a TD:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 14, 2025
“What’s he supposed to do? Yeah, he could’ve kicked a FG. They don’t kick FGs. They go for it there. … That's what he does.” https://t.co/z1YnwAB1QC pic.twitter.com/kqtOhfVBFg
The comment came in reference to a fourth-down play late in the fourth quarter, when the Lions elected to keep their offense on the field instead of settling for three points. Jared Goff rewarded Campbell’s faith with yet another touchdown strike, extending what was already a blowout.
Johnson, who spent years alongside Campbell in Detroit before leaving to take the Bears’ head job this offseason, knows better than most how Campbell operates. He wasn’t about to interpret his old colleague’s decisions as anything more than business as usual.
For Johnson, the loss was painful enough on its own. But he made sure to take the high road when it came to Campbell’s relentless approach.
The Bottom Line
Ben Johnson made it clear he’s not buying into the narrative that Campbell was trying to embarrass him. If anything, he reminded everyone that the Lions’ head coach has been consistent from the moment he took over in Detroit, no field goals when touchdowns are on the table. For the Bears, it’s another lesson in just how far they have to go to catch up in the NFC North.
One Response
I definitely think you should pull your starters when games get out of hand. Injury factor and let the second and third string get game reps