Former Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone revealed an interesting take on Ben Johnson's departure to the Chicago Bears, after having created some great offenses for his former team.

Appearing on The Schultz Report Anzalone revealed his team's reaction on learning that Johnson was going to the Bears, of all teams in the league.

"I think we were all thrown off that he picked Chicago. That was interesting. I remember seeing him in the weight room, probably 24 hours or so [ago].

"You know, asking him, 'Hey, man, what are you going to do?' He's like, 'I don't know.'" But Johnson was off to Chicago, which sparked even more confusion for the team. 

Head coach Dan Campbell has a longstanding relationship with Johnson, having worked together as assistants at the Miami Dolphins. But his leaving the offensive coordinator role to be the head coach of the Lions' arch-rival rocked the community. Looking back, Anzalone thought the move was "funny."

His teammates wished him well, and Amon-Ra St. Brown also jokingly warned him that the Lions are going to give him a tough time, since they will face off against each other twice. And that threat proved right, as Detroit defeated Chicago both times last season.

But Chicago ended up succeeding in the league, while Detroit somehow put up a winning season with a disappointing 9-8 record. According to Anzalone, the Bears' success with Johnson was inevitable.

Caleb Williams Rise Under Ben Johnson Draws Attention in Alex Anzalone Discussion

After seven years of waiting, the Bears won the NFC North title by 11-6 under Johnson’s guidance. Anzalone was not surprised that it would happen because of quarterback Caleb Williams' fit with Johnson.

"With a talented quarterback like that and Ben's offense, you just need a decent defense to win games," the LB said.

Williams had a career year in Chicago this season, reaching 3,942 yards and hauling in 27 scores. And with Johnson taking charge, Williams and Co. were able to take the team to the postseason, which was a first for him.

“He certainly got more comfortable with the concepts that we were running over the course of the season...” Ben Johnson said.

Caleb Williams will be playing his third NFL season this year. Having scripted so much success under Ben Johnson, this is a pairing that Detroit's defense will have to watch out for.

Let us know your thoughts on Ben Johnson's stints at Detroit and Chicago.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Afreen Kabir