"With the franchise's brutal decision to fire Jerod Mayo at the conclusion of his first season came an opportunity for owner Robert Kraft to change course. While Vrabel was an obvious top choice (and probably should have been during the 2024 hiring cycle), it was hard not to feel the allure of a young, offensive-minded guru like Ben Johnson, who wound up choosing QB Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears."
"There's just no shaking that feeling of what if? And after the Patriots flopped at home in Vrabel's debut against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1, it was natural for fans to look forward to the first glimpse of Johnson's Bears, who faced the Minnesota Vikings at home on Monday Night Football. And while the Bears looked like world beaters in the early stages of that game, the aftermath should have Patriots fans feeling a lot more comfortable with their franchise-altering decision in January."
"The Johnson effect wore off quickly for the Bears in what was a clear coaching mismatch vs. Kevin O'Connell, Brian Flores, and the Vikings. Johnson deserves some credit for Chicago's scorching,10-play scoring drive on its opening possession, but from that point forward, the Bears' offense managed just three points in over 50 minutes of game time. Chicago was undisciplined (12 penalties for 127 yards) and unprepared for some key situations in the second half."
A segment of Patriots fans questioned whether veteran coach Mike Vrabel was the right developmental fit for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Owner Robert Kraft fired Jerod Mayo after one season and selected Vrabel over younger offensive candidates like Ben Johnson, who later became the Chicago Bears' coach. New England lost at home in Vrabel's Week 1 debut, prompting what-if speculation. The Bears initially impressed on Monday Night Football but then sputtered after an opening scoring drive, producing only three points thereafter. Chicago showed undiscipline through penalties and strategic miscues, underscoring the prudence of choosing proven leadership.
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