Bears wide receiver fully buys into Ben Johnson’s 4-word message

With the offensive expectations the Chicago Bears have, their wide receivers must be prepared to make plays. But to be truly successful in head coach Ben Johnson’s system, those pass catchers must be prepared to operate without the ball in their hands as well.

The Bears’ offense is built around a strong run game. That was clear when they racked up 291 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. Chicago’s running backs deserve plenty of credit. As do their offensive line. The franchise would also be remiss to not include their wide receivers in the success pool.

If they aren’t being targeted, those receivers must be willing blockers. They will play a crucial role in opening up rushing lanes. Even if they aren’t being targeted, Bears pass catchers can’t take the play off.

Johnson has created a mantra for this Chicago phenomenon. At least one Bears receiver has fully bought in.

Bears’ Jahdae Walker trusts ‘no block, no rock’

From 2012-2018, Johnson held numerous position roles with the Miami Dolphins, culminating in him being wide receivers coach. There was where he first learned the term, ‘no block, no rock.’ On the surface, the message is simple. If you’re unwilling to block, Johnson won’t scheme up as many plays with you in mind.

As an undrafted free agent, Jahdae Walker knew he would have to do the little things. Now in year two with the Bears, he has fully embraced the ‘no block, no rock’ mantra, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN.

“Oh shoot, [Johnson] just says, ‘no block, no rock’ and that just gets us going because we all want the ball,” Walker said. “So that’s pretty much all we be thinking about. It’s just you got to buy into it or you’re going to get left.”

Against the Panthers, Walker put that belief to the test. He had a booming block on an outside pass to Kalif Raymond. Then, he ran downfield blocking as Kyle Monangai broke off a 61-yard touchdown run. Ultimately, Walker was rewarded with a one-yard touchdown grab.

That may have been his only target of the game, but the wide receiver had already made his impact. If he continues to show a willingness to block with pride, Walker will have a home in the Bears’ offense.

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