Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears notched their second consecutive victory of the season on Sunday, taking down the Las Vegas Raiders in a closely contested 25-24 thrilled in Week 4.
The win wasn’t smooth sailing for the Bears, who had to overcome a 14-9 halftime deficit to claim the comeback victory over the home team Raiders.
Quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense were less than impressive through the first two quarters of the game, as he threw an interception and they failed to record a single touchdown.
After coming out of the locker room at halftime, Johnson stopped for an interview with NFL on CBS sideline reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala.
“Your offense has struggled to take advantage of those takeaways,” Kinkhabwala said.
“They haven’t done anything,” Johnson sternly responded.
“So you need to change what you’re doing?” Kinkhabwala continued.
“I don’t know. You think so?” Johnson responded before pausing for a stare down. “We’re going to be just fine.”
Many who saw the interview, including CBS broadcaster Spero Dedes, recognized the “intimidating, menacing stare” from Johnson and took to social media to reprimand him.
“Ben Johnson just stared a hole straight thru her…jeez,” former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel wrote on X.
“I don’t like this one bit from Ben Johnson with the reporter Aditi,” NFL reporter Joe Shad added.
“I’m convinced Ben Johnson hates everybody in the world,” another fan said.
“Pretty sure he was in the moment but he needs to apologize. Publicly and Quickly. This is not a good look at all,” remarked another fan.
Johnson’s offense got things going in the second half. Williams finished the game with 212 yards and one touchdown on 22 of 37 passing, connecting with second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze for the Bears’ lone passing score of the day. Running back D’Andre Swift put Chicago ahead with a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter.
The Bears’ defense generated four total turnovers, and the special team’s unit sealed the game with a blocked field goal attempt from the Raiders with 33 seconds to play.
Johnson and the 2-2 Bears will take this positive momentum into a bye week before returning to action with a matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 6.
