Ben Johnson Unleashed: Bears Target NFL Scoring Record in 2026
Ben Johnson’s Bold Plan: Why "Good Enough" Isn’t in the Bears’ Playbook
TL;DR: Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson had a fantastic first year—winning the division and a playoff game. But instead of celebrating, he’s setting his sights on making NFL history by chasing the all-time scoring record, the longest winning streak, and even a perfect season.
Who Is Ben Johnson?
Imagine a new coach taking over a struggling team and instantly turning them into winners. That’s Ben Johnson.
- Role: Head Coach of the Chicago Bears.
- Year One Result: Won the NFC North division and a playoff game.
- Secret Weapon: Quarterback Caleb Williams, who quickly became the face of the franchise’s future.
- Reputation: Known as an offensive mastermind who thinks way outside the box.
The "Normal" Goal vs. The Ben Johnson Goal
Most NFL coaches walk into training camp and say, "Our goal is to win the Super Bowl." Ben Johnson thinks that’s thinking too small.
Important Callout: The "Moon vs. Stars" Philosophy
“The moon is the Super Bowl, but we’re shooting beyond that, for the stars. And I want these players to feel that each and every single day they come in.”
— Ben Johnson
He doesn’t just want a trophy; he wants his team to play at a level the league has never seen before.
The Three Historic Records He’s Chasing
Johnson has three specific, massive targets written on his whiteboard. Here is the scoreboard he is trying to beat:
| The Record | The Current Holder | The Number to Beat |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Scoring Offense Ever | 2013 Denver Broncos (Peyton Manning) | 37.9 Points Per Game |
| Longest Winning Streak | 2003–2004 New England Patriots (Bill Belichick/Tom Brady) | 21 Consecutive Wins |
| Perfect Season (17+ Games) | No one has ever done it | 19-0 (or better) |
1. The "Video Game" Offense (Beating the 2013 Broncos)
The 2013 Broncos, led by Peyton Manning, scored an absurd 37.9 points per game. Johnson knows this number by heart. He wants his offense to be so unstoppable that they make that historic mark look average.
2. The "Never Lose" Streak (Beating Belichick)
Bill Belichick’s first Patriots dynasty won 21 games in a row (including playoffs). Johnson asks a simple question: "Why can’t we do that?" He wants his team to make winning feel inevitable.
3. The "Impossible" Perfect Season
Since the NFL expanded to a 16+ game schedule (now 17 regular season games + playoffs), no team has ever gone undefeated. The 1972 Dolphins did it in a 14-game season. Johnson wants to be the first in the modern era.
Why This Matters for the Bears (And You)
For the Players
- Daily Mindset: They aren’t just "preparing for Sunday." They are practicing to make history every single day.
- High Standards: "Good" plays aren’t celebrated; "perfect" execution is the baseline.
For the Fans
- Excitement: You aren’t watching a team hoping to sneak into the playoffs. You’re watching a team trying to break the sport.
- Identity: The Bears are building a reputation as the league’s most aggressive, ambitious franchise.
For the NFL
- Parity Breaker: The league is designed for parity (fairness). Johnson is openly trying to break the system by dominating it completely.
How Does a Coach Even Attempt This? (A Simplified Blueprint)
While we don’t have Johnson’s private playbook, chasing history usually requires these steps:
- Obsess Over Efficiency: Every single snap must have a purpose. No wasted plays, no "garbage time" mentality.
- Maximize the Quarterback: Caleb Williams is the engine. The system must be built 100% around his unique superpowers (improvisation, arm talent, brains).
- Dominate Situational Football: Red zone, third down, two-minute drill. Records are built on converting the "money downs."
- Build a "Kill Shot" Mentality: When the Bears are up by 14, they don’t run the clock out. They throw for the throat to hit the scoring average target.
- Health & Depth Management: You can’t win 21 straight if your stars are injured. Sports science and roster depth become competitive advantages.
Summary
Ben Johnson isn’t here to be a "good coach." He had a storybook first season (Division Title + Playoff Win + Star QB), but he treated it like a warm-up.
His 2026 mission is unprecedented:
- Score more than the greatest offense ever (2013 Broncos).
- Win more in a row than the greatest dynasty ever (Belichick’s Patriots).
- Achieve the only thing never done in the modern era: A Perfect Season.
He wants the players to feel the weight of history every single day. Whether they pull it off or not, the Chicago Bears are officially the most fascinating team in football.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Has any team ever scored 38+ points per game for a full season?
Only one: The 2013 Denver Broncos (37.9 PPG). The 2007 Patriots averaged 36.8. It requires near-perfect quarterback play, elite health, and a schedule that cooperates.
Is a 19-0 season actually possible in the modern NFL?
Theoretically, yes. Practically, nearly impossible. The 2007 Patriots went 18-0 but lost the Super Bowl. The 1972 Dolphins went 17-0, but played only 14 regular-season games. Injuries, variance, and parity make this the "Holy Grail" of sports.
Does setting goals this high put too much pressure on young players like Caleb Williams?
It’s a gamble. For some players, "shooting for the stars" creates anxiety. For elite competitors like Williams (Heisman winner, #1 pick), it provides clarity and purpose. Johnson bets his locker room is built for the latter.
What happens if they don’t break the records but win the Super Bowl?
That is still a massive success. Johnson’s philosophy is that chasing the records creates the standard required to win the Super Bowl. Even if they fall short of history, the pursuit likely yields a championship.
Why compare himself to Bill Belichick and Peyton Manning specifically?
They are the gold standards. Belichick represents sustained dominance/winning streaks. Manning’s 2013 Broncos represent offensive perfection. Johnson is signaling: "I am not coaching to be ‘good.’ I am coaching to be the Greatest Of All Time."