Everything Ben Johnson Had To Say After Stunning 4th Quarter Victory vs. Bengals

Let’s just start here: I’ve watched a lot of football in my 33 years, and I can confidently say that the Chicago Bears’ 47-42 win over the Cincinnati Bengals was one of the dumbest and most dramatic football games I’ve seen. As my friend Collin put it after the game, “That was like a roller coaster without a seatbelt,” and as usual, my good friend was spot on with his assessment. No wonder his nickname is ‘The Doctor.’

Consider, these two teams combined for 9 lead changes, 89 points, and 1,071 yards of total offense on Sunday afternoon. There was a kick return for a touchdown, a wide receiver to quarterback touchdown pass, a called back 95-yard pick six, a recovered onside kick, and 21 points scored in a 1 minute, 26 second span. It was like the greatest game of Madden you’ve ever seen, only real life human beings were the ones putting up the video game numbers.

Frankly, I don’t know what else to say. I’m having trouble wrapping my head around everything, in part because I’m still catching my breath. Since that’s the case, I’ll kick it to Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who took to the podium after the win to talk about one of the craziest football games you’ll ever see.

Ben Johnson’s Opening Statement… “Overall, just really proud of the group and how resilient they were. There’s a number of things that weren’t pretty, that weren’t clean, and yet, what you learn about this group through the first half of the season is that they are an extremely resilient bunch. They show up, and they’re gonna fight you all 60 minutes. They really don’t waver. I give them a lot of credit for their poise.”

I’ve said this in the past, but it’s worth repeating… This is the EXACT kind of game that the Bears made a habit of losing under Matt Eberflus and Matt Nagy. But for whatever reason — and maybe that reason is Ben Johnson, or maybe it’s Caleb Williams, or maybe it’s the right mix of 53 guys — this group does not quit. It might be the most admirable quality of the 2025 Chicago Bears. 

Johnson on the chaotic ending to the game… “We were up two touchdowns in the 4th quarter, and they get the onside kick and take the lead. And it’s easy to fold, but our guys didn’t do that. They kept the faith and found a way to come out on top.”

I, however, did not keep the faith. After the Bengals recovered that onside kick, I would’ve bet my life savings that Cincinnati was going to march down the field and score. I had zero doubts, and that’s not just because, ‘Oh, same old Bears.’ No, the defense was getting absolutely torched.  I just didn’t think the Bengals were going to score so quick and leave the Bears enough time to answer. 

Johnson on his emotional state over the final two minutes of the game… “I try to keep it pretty steady. I just try to keep level-headed in terms of making sure we have enough time for our own rebuttal. So we were using our timeouts, and that’s kinda worst case scenario, but you’re thinking that way and making sure you have a chance. We came back and we needed a field goal with a minute left and a timeout, so we felt pretty good about that scenario. It’s easy to go up and down and ride that roller coaster, but the coaching staff did a pretty good job staying level-headed throughout.”

It’s a good thing my Dad isn’t on the Bears coaching staff, because he did not stay level headed throughout the 4th quarter. Within a two minute span, I got two text messages from him that perfectly captured his emotional state. 

“If they don’t get the onside kick, they deserve to lose.”

“No way we are winning this game.” 

Apparently Pops didn’t get the memo that these Chicago Bears are built a little bit differently!

Johnson on his defensive concerns… “We knew that those guys on the perimeter (Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins) were really good players. And Flacco, since he’s been here, he’s kind of done this every week. Week in, week out. So I’m not going to make any knee-jerk reactions.”

I’ll go ahead and make a knee-jerk reaction… against the best wide receiver duo in the NFL, you’re bound to give up some big plays, especially when you have no pass rush and are down your two best cornerbacks. 

Ben Johnson has a lot to say about the Chicago Bears offense

Johnson on what a reporter deemed an ‘up and down’ performance from Caleb Williams… “Here’s what I know — he threw some touchdowns, didn’t throw any interceptions, and I thought he used his legs to help us extend drives as well. I was pleased with that.”

Caleb’s stats: 20-34, 280 yards, 3 touchdowns, 114.8 passer rating, 2 receptions, 22 yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 5 rushes, 53 rushing yards 

But sure, let’s call this an up and down performance. 

Johnson on Colston Loveland’s 58 yard touchdown reception… “I was hunting one coverage before halftime, and end of the game in the two minute scenarios. Couldn’t get it, couldn’t get it. There was probably three or four calls that I had and just didn’t get it. And finally we got it on that particular play. Caleb did a great job seeing it, delivered a good ball. Figured it was gonna be explosive, wasn’t expecting it to be a touchdown though, and I think that was Colston’s speed, taking off and going for it.”

Thank God Colston Loveland had more speed than I expected, because as he was galloping toward the end zone, I was just waiting for a shoestring tackle to end this game in absolutely tragic fashion. 

Johnson on the performance of rookie running back Kyle Monangai… “I’m not surprised. That’s kind who he’s been since he’s been here. He’s very reliable. He’s gonna do what you’re coaching, and he’s hard to bring down. I think that showed up. What he was at Rutgers was the bell-cow for that team, and he proved today he can carry that load if called upon.”

Kyle Monangai runs the football like he’s mad at the ground and even madder at every single defensive player trying to tackle him. It was an inspired performance by a guy who shouldn’t have fallen all the way to the 7th Round of the Draft. And by the way, Monangai’s 176 rushing yards were the second-most rushing yards in a game by a Bears rookie ever, trailing only Anthony ‘A-Train’ Thomas in 2001.

Bills Bring Back Decade’s Best Safety Amid Damar Hamlin’s Injury

Buffalo, NY – October 12, 2025 The Buffalo Bills have announced the return of former star safety Micah Hyde, widely regarded as the franchise’s most outstanding safety of the decade, following a season-threatening injury to Damar Hamlin. The move comes as a critical reinforcement for a Bills defense reeling from multiple injuries in the 2025 season, particularly at the safety position.

Hyde, 34, had been contemplating retirement during the 2025 offseason after seven impactful seasons with the Bills (2017–2023), where he established himself as a pillar of defensive stability and leadership. However, team sources confirm that head coach Sean McDermott personally reached out to Hyde after Hamlin’s injury. “Micah embodies what it means to be a Bill. His experience is invaluable to us right now,” McDermott stated in a press conference on October 11, 2025. Hyde is scheduled for a comprehensive medical evaluation this week and, if cleared, could return to the field as early as Week 7 (late October) under a one-year contract reportedly worth $3 million.

The catalyst for Hyde’s return is the recent injury to Damar Hamlin, the Bills’ starting safety, who was placed on Injured Reserve (IR) on October 11, 2025, due to a severe pectoral injury sustained during a practice session in Week 6. According to ESPN and NFL Network, Hamlin’s injury, which may require surgery, could sideline him for 3-6 months, potentially ending his 2025 season. Hamlin, 27, had started all five games this season, recording 23 tackles and 1 interception while playing approximately 60% of defensive snaps, a cautious approach due to his history of a cardiac arrest in 2023. His absence leaves a significant gap in Buffalo’s secondary.

The Bills’ defensive backfield is further strained with Taylor Rapp nursing hip and shoulder injuries and rookie Cole Bishop lacking the experience to anchor the position alone. Current backups Kareem Jackson and Lewis Cine are not seen as long-term solutions, prompting the urgent recall of Hyde. The team also placed defensive tackle TJ Sanders on IR due to a knee injury, exacerbating their defensive woes.

Hyde’s resume speaks for itself: a Second-Team All-Pro selection in 2017, when he led the NFL with 5 interceptions, and a career total of 22 interceptions and over 600 tackles during his tenure with the Bills. Known for his cerebral play and leadership, Hyde was instrumental in mentoring Hamlin through his recovery from the 2023 cardiac incident. “Buffalo is home, and I couldn’t stand by while the team needed me. I’m here to help Damar and the guys push forward,” Hyde said after rejoining practice.

Hyde’s return is a potential lifeline for the Bills, who hold a 4-1 record and lead the AFC East after Week 6. A Hyde-Bishop pairing could stabilize the secondary and keep Buffalo’s playoff aspirations on track. Fans, known as Bills Mafia, have taken to social media with overwhelming support, calling Hyde’s comeback a “game-changer” for a season marked by adversity. Hyde is also set to host his annual charity softball event in Buffalo in May 2026 to continue giving back to the community.

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