Patriots safety Kevin Byard says Ben Johnson’s play‑calling will be the biggest test for New England’s defense on Thursday night.
Key points
- Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme prioritizes the run and sophisticated play‑action, challenging New England’s middling run defense.
- Patriots safety Kevin Byard expects Johnson to showcase his play‑calling in primetime, making the Bears’ offense a key factor.
- Chicago’s aggressive fourth‑down strategy could test the Patriots’ defensive depth and decision‑making.
- Injuries on the Patriots’ side heighten the importance of quarterback Drake Maye’s ability to generate big passing plays.
The New England Patriots travel to Chicago for a primetime Week 7 matchup against the Bears, whose head coach Ben Johnson has earned a reputation as an offensive “genius” after leading the Lions’ offense and now revamping Chicago’s attack, according to a Boston Herald preview published on Oct. 21, 2026.
Patriots captain Kevin Byard fielded a rapid series of questions about quarterback Caleb Williams and Johnson’s scheme, noting that Williams is “one of the toughest quarterbacks to actually sack in the league” and that Johnson is “a great play‑caller” who will “have some stuff up his sleeve” for the Thursday night game.
Johnson’s offensive reputation and philosophy
Quarterback Drake Maye echoed that sentiment, saying any team with “coach Ben Johnson, a North Carolina guy and a great offensive mind” will produce “really great things,” and he highlighted the Bears’ “tempo stuff, play‑action and wrinkle plays” that have caught league attention.
Johnson’s philosophy, as Byard explained, centers on the run – “Ben Johnson wants to run the ball” – and Chicago leads the league in rushing yards while ranking fourth in play‑action pass rate. By contrast, New England’s run defense sits near the middle of the league (17th by success rate, 18th in DVOA), a potential mismatch against a Bears line rated fifth‑best in run‑blocking by ESPN.
Patriots’ run‑defense vulnerabilities
The Patriots’ recent experience against a run‑heavy opponent offers clues: against the Jets, a switch to a four‑defensive‑back front slowed the ground game but left New England vulnerable to play‑action, resulting in a 48‑yard touchdown. Inside linebacker Robert Spillane warned that Chicago may recycle a “trap” concept that previously neutralized aggressive blitzes.
Injuries have left the Patriots’ offense “distressed,” but Maye’s confidence in his own ability to “throw on his Superman cape” suggests the passing game could offset any run‑defense gaps. The Bears’ aggressive fourth‑down approach – they lead the league with 15 attempts – adds another variable that could force New England’s defense into high‑pressure situations.
Key player insights ahead of the game
With both teams eager to prove themselves, the Thursday night clash promises a chess match between Johnson’s creative play‑calling and the Patriots’ effort to contain a run‑first attack while protecting a vulnerable secondary.
Reader questions
What is Ben Johnson known for as an offensive coach?
Johnson is praised for his run‑heavy philosophy, creative play‑action, tempo and “wrinkle” plays, and has been labeled an offensive mastermind after successful stints with the Lions and now the Bears.
How does New England’s run defense compare to the league?
The Patriots rank 17th in run‑success rate and 18th in DVOA, placing them in the middle of the league and potentially vulnerable to Chicago’s strong rushing attack.
When is the Patriots‑Bears game scheduled?
The matchup is set for Thursday night in Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season, as noted in the Boston Herald preview.
Source: bostonherald.com
