“Every Play Matters”: Ben Johnson Locked in on Bears’ Left Tackle Battle as Camp Competition Heats Up

As the Chicago Bears march through training camp under the sweltering heat of July, there’s a particular position battle drawing not just fan attention but laser-focused scrutiny from offensive coordinator Ben Johnson: the competition for the starting left tackle spot. In a year where the Bears hope to finally turn the corner and put years of rebuilding behind them, the phrase “every play matters” has become less of a coaching cliché and more of a real-time doctrine. Johnson, known for his detail-oriented approach and offensive creativity, is leaving no snap, no block, and no misstep unnoticed as he evaluates who will anchor quarterback Caleb Williams’ blind side in the 2024 season.

With an offensive scheme built to maximize tempo, versatility, and downfield explosiveness, Johnson understands the vital role a stable, high-performing left tackle plays in his system. Protecting the quarterback, especially a rookie franchise centerpiece like Williams, is non-negotiable. The Bears didn’t draft Williams first overall to watch him run for his life. They drafted him to change the trajectory of the franchise. That starts with clean pockets and consistent pass protection—and that, in turn, starts at left tackle.

So when Johnson says “every play matters,” he means it quite literally. It isn’t just coach speak. Every rep in practice, every preseason snap, every one-on-one drill between offensive line and edge rushers is a datapoint feeding into a bigger decision. Two players, in particular, have emerged as frontrunners in this highly scrutinized race—each bringing a different skill set, each offering potential, and each pushing the other for every inch of ground.

On one side stands the returning veteran, a player with NFL starting experience but an up-and-down history. While his physical tools are well-known—length, athleticism, and quick feet—his consistency has sometimes been lacking, leading to costly penalties or blown assignments in big moments. Yet, he’s got the benefit of familiarity, both with the team’s system and with the speed and violence of professional pass rushers.

Challenging him is the young challenger, a recent draft pick lauded for his raw talent, high ceiling, and impressive college tape. In camp, he’s flashed power in the run game and shown quick improvement in pass sets. But with youth comes inexperience, and against top-tier NFL edge defenders, that learning curve can be steep. Johnson and his staff are watching carefully to see not just how he performs physically, but how he responds mentally—how he bounces back from a bad rep, how quickly he processes film, how well he adjusts to defensive wrinkles.

It’s not just about winning reps, Johnson has hinted. It’s about handling adversity, maintaining discipline, and executing under pressure. The left tackle in his offense can’t just be a big body—he has to be an anchor, a technician, and an extension of the quarterback’s timing. That’s why Johnson’s gaze never strays too far from the edge of the offensive line. He’s watching footwork, hand placement, pad level, and communication. He’s watching how the tackles respond to stunts and blitzes, how they handle the bull rush and the speed rush, and how they contribute to the overall flow of the offense.

But this competition isn’t happening in a vacuum. Johnson’s offensive line evaluations are deeply connected to his broader offensive goals. He wants to give Caleb Williams the freedom to thrive, to build confidence early in his rookie campaign, and to avoid the fate of young quarterbacks who crumble behind shaky protection. A reliable left tackle is the first step toward that goal, and Johnson knows it.

The Bears’ offensive staff, led by Johnson and head coach Matt Eberflus, have designed their camp sessions with this battle in mind. Defensive fronts have been thrown at the offense in waves, giving both tackle contenders a daily dose of pressure and unpredictability. In joint practices and preseason games, the scrutiny will only intensify. These live reps are the ultimate audition, and both players know what’s at stake.

The locker room has also taken notice. Teammates have praised the competitive spirit and mutual respect between the two tackles vying for the starting job. They push each other in drills, exchange pointers, and share film notes. While the job can only go to one, both understand that sharpening one another only strengthens the unit as a whole. Johnson has emphasized that iron sharpens iron, and this competition is proof.

There’s also a ticking clock in play. The regular season is fast approaching, and Johnson needs to settle the line soon so the starters can build cohesion. Offensive line chemistry is forged through repetition—knowing where the man next to you will be, how he reacts, what his tendencies are. The longer a battle drags out, the harder it is to develop that rhythm. Johnson is weighing that urgency against the need to make the right decision, not the fastest one.

Beyond the immediate competition, the left tackle decision carries long-term implications. If the rookie wins the job and performs well, the Bears could have a long-term answer at one of football’s most valuable positions. If the veteran reclaims the role and excels, it provides needed stability and buys time for the younger player to continue developing. Either outcome has value, but the decision must be made with clarity and conviction. Johnson’s approach reflects a man who understands the stakes.

He’s been here before, albeit in different forms—evaluating quarterbacks in Detroit, game-planning against elite pass rushers, and installing protections that hinge on one tackle’s ability to hold his ground for just another second. Now, as the conductor of the Bears’ offense, Johnson is applying that same meticulous focus to Chicago’s biggest offensive question mark. His experience, combined with his belief in development and accountability, makes him uniquely suited to guide this process.

Bears fans, meanwhile, are watching anxiously. The team’s offensive line has been a sore spot in recent years, and protecting their prized rookie quarterback is priority number one. There’s hope in the air at Halas Hall, but it’s laced with cautious realism. They’ve seen potential fizzle out before. Johnson’s words—“every play matters”—offer both reassurance and a reminder that nothing is being left to chance.

As training camp enters its most pivotal weeks, the pressure builds. Each practice rep, each film session, each coach’s note could tilt the scales. Johnson remains at the center of it all, clipboard in hand, eyes fixed on the edge of the line, knowing that this decision could shape not only the Bears’ season, but their future.

What separates great coaches from good ones often comes down to attention to detail. For Ben Johnson, that detail is currently residing at left tackle, and every inch of ground gained or lost in that battle is part of a much larger plan. As he continues to evaluate, instruct, and ultimately decide, one thing is certain—this isn’t just another position battle. It’s a foundational moment for the Chicago Bears’ offense, and Johnson is making sure no moment, no mistake, no successful rep goes unnoticed.

Because in his system, in his philosophy, and in the season to come, every play really does matter.