Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson worried about Vikings’ All-Pro

The Chicago Bears offense will face a much tougher challenge in Week 2 than they did against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1.

The Bears put up 59 points in a thrilling 59-37 win over the Panthers.

Chicago will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, who came from behind to beat the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.

The matchup between Bears head coach Ben Johnson and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been a big talking point in national media circles all week.

When speaking to reporters this week, Johnson noted that Flores is a tough competitor, but the Vikings have a player on defense that can wreck shop against the Bears.

He noted safety All-Pro safety Harrison Smith, who recently chose to return to the Vikings, is the “quarterback” of Minnesota’s defense.

Chicago Bears focusing on Vikings’ S Harrison Smith

Bears Ben Johnson — Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on from the sideline in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

“He’s like their quarterback,” Johnson said of Smith, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN. “He’s like their defensive coordinator on the field. This guy, it’s a battle with him as much as it is with Flores because you see him in and out of the checks. You make a check, he’s making a check.

“Play that game just back and forth, in and out. He is, without knowing him, looks like super smart. He’s all over the place. He’s a step ahead. I got a tremendous amount of respect for him. So if he’s out there, I think last week was more situational, and yet he is a problem. He’s a major problem.”

Smith, 37, was uncertain if he’d return to play for Minnesota this season. He signed a contract with the Vikings on Sept. 8, so it made sense for him not to play as many snaps in Week 1.

He could be in line for extra snaps against the Bears on Sunday, and Johnson will no doubt be making sure his players are ready for the test.

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