🚨 BIG SURPRISE FROM BEN JOHNSON! On the day of his reunion with his former team, the Detroit Lions, Coach Ben Johnson stunned everyone with a bold decision regarding the Chicago Bears’ tactical setup. Three key players were unexpectedly dropped from the starting lineup, even though the game no longer held much significance in terms of results — a move that caused a stir among fans and raised numerous questions.

In a stunning turn of events at Soldier Field, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson pulled off one of the most unexpected moves of the 2025-2026 NFL season.

Facing his former team, the Detroit Lions, in the regular season finale, Johnson opted to bench three key starters: quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receiver DJ Moore, and defensive end Montez Sweat. This decision came despite earlier statements emphasizing a push for victory to secure better playoff seeding.

The game, played on January 3, 2026, held limited stakes for the Bears, who had already clinched a playoff spot. While a win could have elevated them to the No. 2 seed in the NFC, potentially guaranteeing an extra home game, Johnson prioritized player health over immediate gains.

Fans in the stands and online were left reeling, with social media erupting in debates about the coach’s strategy.

Johnson’s history with the Lions added layers to the drama. As their former offensive coordinator, he had helped build Detroit into a powerhouse before taking the Bears’ head coaching job in the offseason.

This reunion was anticipated as a grudge match, especially after Chicago’s humiliating Week 2 loss to Detroit, where they fell 52-21. Many expected Johnson to seek redemption aggressively.

Instead, the coach chose caution. Post-game, Johnson explained his rationale in a press conference, stating that preserving the team’s core for the postseason outweighed short-term glory. “We’ve built something special here,” he said. “Risking injuries to our pillars when we’re already locked in doesn’t make sense.

This is about the long game.” His words aimed to quell the uproar but only fueled more speculation.

Caleb Williams, the Bears’ star quarterback and 2024 No. 1 draft pick, had been on a tear this season, nearing 4,000 passing yards. Benching him meant forgoing a chance to break franchise records, a milestone that could have boosted morale.

Williams, visibly frustrated on the sidelines, later posted on social media expressing support for the team but hinting at his disappointment in missing the action.

DJ Moore, the explosive wide receiver, was another surprise omission. Known for his game-changing catches, Moore had formed a dynamic duo with Williams, contributing over 1,200 receiving yards.

His absence shifted the offensive burden to backups like Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen, who stepped up but couldn’t fully replicate the star’s impact. Analysts questioned if this move signaled internal tensions or a deeper tactical shift.

On the defensive side, Montez Sweat’s benching raised eyebrows. The edge rusher, acquired in a blockbuster trade, had anchored Chicago’s formidable front, leading the team in sacks. Without him, the Bears’ defense struggled to contain Detroit’s run game, allowing over 150 rushing yards.

Sweat’s rest was justified by Johnson as preventive, citing minor nagging injuries that could worsen in a meaningless contest.

The Lions, with nothing to play for after a disappointing season, capitalized on the Bears’ depleted lineup.

Detroit’s head coach Dan Campbell, Johnson’s former boss, praised the decision post-game, calling it “smart coaching.” However, Lions players like quarterback Jared Goff exploited the weaknesses, throwing for three touchdowns in a 28-17 victory that spoiled Chicago’s home finale.

Fan reactions were mixed and intense. Bears supporters flooded forums and X with memes and rants, some accusing Johnson of tanking for draft position—though that made little sense given their playoff berth. Others applauded the foresight, recalling past seasons where injuries derailed promising campaigns.

One viral post read, “Ben’s playing chess while we’re playing checkers. Trust the process.”

Experts weighed in quickly. ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that Johnson’s move aligns with modern NFL trends, where player preservation trumps regular-season heroics. “In an era of expanded playoffs, health is wealth,” Schefter tweeted.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that sources inside Halas Hall confirmed the decision was made last-minute, based on medical evaluations showing fatigue in the benched players.

This wasn’t Johnson’s first bold call as Bears coach. Since taking over, he transformed Chicago from a rebuilding squad into NFC contenders, posting an 11-5 record entering the finale. His innovative offensive schemes, borrowed from Detroit days, elevated Williams and revitalized the run game with D’Andre Swift.

Yet, this benching tested fan loyalty, especially against a rival.

Detroit fans, meanwhile, reveled in the win. For them, beating Johnson’s Bears felt like poetic justice after losing their coordinator. Campbell, in his presser, joked about the “student surpassing the teacher” narrative being put on hold.

The victory provided a silver lining to the Lions’ underwhelming year, marred by injuries and defensive lapses.

Looking ahead, the Bears enter the playoffs as the No. 3 seed, set to host a wild-card game. Johnson’s gamble means Williams, Moore, and Sweat should be fresh, potentially giving Chicago an edge. However, if early postseason struggles arise, this decision could haunt the coach.

Critics argue it sacrificed momentum, as the team limped into the tournament with a two-game skid.

Johnson remains unfazed. In interviews, he emphasized team unity and long-term vision. “We’re built for January and February,” he asserted. His confidence stems from a revamped defense under coordinator Dennis Allen and an offense clicking at the right time.

The benching, he insists, was a calculated risk to maximize championship odds.

The NFL community is abuzz with implications. Could this set a precedent for coaches in similar positions? Teams like the Eagles, who rested stars in Week 18, watched closely. Johnson’s move underscores the delicate balance between competition and conservation in a grueling league.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Ben Johnson’s Bears are no longer underdogs. This surprise benching, while controversial, highlights his willingness to defy convention. Whether it pays off will unfold in the playoffs, where Chicago aims for its first Super Bowl since 1985.

Fans and pundits alike will dissect this for weeks. Did Johnson outsmart everyone, or did he overthink? The answers lie ahead, but for now, the shockwaves from Soldier Field continue to ripple through the league.

In retrospect, the game itself was secondary to the strategy. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent threw for 220 yards but two interceptions, exposing vulnerabilities. The defense held firm initially but tired late. Detroit’s reserves shone, proving depth matters.

Ultimately, Johnson’s decision reflects evolving coaching philosophies. Prioritizing playoffs over pride, he bet on his team’s resilience. As Chicago prepares for the wild-card round, likely against the Rams or Packers, the rested stars could prove decisive.

The episode also humanizes the sport. Players like Williams, eager for every snap, must yield to bigger pictures. Moore and Sweat, professionals through and through, supported the call publicly. Team chemistry remains intact, per insiders.

Closing out the regular season with questions isn’t ideal, but Johnson’s track record buys leeway. From Detroit disciple to Chicago architect, his journey captivates. This bold move cements his reputation as a thinker, not just a schemer.

As the playoffs beckon, Bears fans hope the surprise was worth it. If Chicago advances deep, the benching will be hailed as genius. If not, it might spark calls for change. For now, the NFL world watches intently.