Johnson on new RB Coach, "uncanny ability" with Caleb Williams |
LAKE FOREST, I.L. - In the 2023 NFL Draft, running back Roschon Johnson was drafted into the second-worst running offense in the NFL. During his rookie year, the running game became central to Chicago’s offense and was the second-best rushing offense in the league.
Now under a new running back coach, the rushing game will try to maintain their dominance. “I think we just got a lot of firepower that we just got to make click. We have a lot of pieces that can do a lot of different things,” Johnson said. “So, I think it’s just a matter of figuring out the things that we do best and just kind of rolling with it, just making sure we play with each other with great chemistry and just kind of going from there.” Chad Morton worked with the Seattle Seahawks for 10 seasons in various positions before becoming the Bears' running backs coach. He also played in the league from 2000 to 2007 with four different teams. According to Johnson, he brings a lot of energy to the running back room as the coach. “He’s a real energetic guy, a guy who likes to bring the energy and definitely get us going,” Johnson said. So, it’s been fun learning from him and just having him in our corner, and I’m excited for the season.” Of course, developing chemistry is not just about within the position group. With all of the new pieces the Bears have, the entire offense is still trying to grow. A key to this is the development of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. He has been making plays throughout training camp and has stood out to Johnson as having unique abilities most quarterbacks do not possess. “From my experience with him, he’s a great guy that basically goes to work every day,” Johnson said. “Definitely a very talented kid that basically does everything the way that you need it and on top of that, he has (an) uncanny ability to play the quarterback position and just do things that other quarterbacks just probably can’t. So, great guy. I think that the team has gravitated towards him, and we’re excited.” Another adjustment for this upcoming season is some of the various rule changes. One that has been heavily discussed is the kickoff rule, which was made to prioritize player safety while also keeping the kickoff in the game. The NFL is also now allowing players to wear the guardian cap during preseason and regular season games. Given the concussion Johnson suffered last season, it was a natural consideration for him, but he has opted not to wear it and believes most players will do so in part because of the general resistance to change. “I’ve definitely given it some consideration. Hopefully, I won’t have to resort to that … But, I’ve given thought to it. But as of right now, I’m in the hard shell,” Johnson said. “I don’t think that players are necessarily going to want to … Maybe eventually, we’re going to have to. I don’t know. I really don’t know. I can’t speak for everybody, but (there’s) always (an) element to it where people want to kind of wear the hard shell to show the logo and all that stuff … Anything you change something within the game, people are going to complain about it at first and then eventually, just make it the norm … I feel like anything for the safety of the players, I feel like, is a good move in my opinion.” Johnson did not get the chance to make his preseason debut when the Bears defeated the Houston Texans 21-17 in the Hall of Fame game. However, there has been no indication of whether starters such as Johnson will be in the next preseason game on Sat. Aug. 10 (Noon / NFL Network).
