Chicago Bears Secure Third Win Under Coach Ben Johnson Amid Controversy

The Chicago Bears secured a narrow 25-24 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, marking their 800th franchise win and improving their record to 2-2 this season. A pivotal moment was cornerback Josh Blackwell's blocked 54-yard field goal attempt in the final minute, a key play predicted by special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, which preserved the Bears' lead and victory. Head coach Ben Johnson, in his first year, has been credited with instilling a new character and aggressiveness in the team, as seen in their recent back-to-back wins and his motivating post-game speeches. Johnson has also focused on developing quarterback Caleb Williams, encouraging him to improve his play under center, which has led to a better performance compared to previous seasons. Despite some early setbacks, including blown leads and losses, former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt emphasized that Johnson's first win was crucial and highlighted the importance of maintaining focus moving forward. The Bears now head into a bye week aiming to build on their momentum and continue improving under Johnson's leadership.