The Chicago Bears secured a thrilling 25-24 victory over the Washington Commanders on Monday night, but the real drama began after the game ended. While fans celebrated the last-second win, the conversation quickly turned to ESPN’s Troy Aikman’s commentary.
The Hall of Fame quarterback faced significant backlash for what many viewers felt were overly critical remarks about Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
How Did Bears Coach Ben Johnson Respond to Troy Aikman’s Commentary?
In the aftermath, Bears head coach Ben Johnson stepped into the discussion with a cool, subtle jab that spoke volumes. The game itself was a high-stakes rematch on Monday Night Football, where the Bears were seeking revenge for a devastating loss to the Commanders in 2024 that had derailed their season.
The spotlight focused intensely on the 2024 NFL Draft’s top two picks: Williams and Washington’s Jayden Daniels.
Williams delivered a solid performance, completing 17 of 29 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown while adding another score on the ground. The game concluded spectacularly when kicker Jake Moody, who was added to the active roster just hours before kickoff, successfully kicked a 38-yard field goal as time expired.
Despite the win and Williams’s respectable statistics, many fans perceived Aikman’s broadcast analysis as relentlessly negative. Social media erupted with complaints, as viewers accused the Dallas Cowboys legend of having an “anti-Bears agenda” and showing “hate” for Williams.
The criticism from the broadcast booth was so pronounced that some fans on social media even called for ESPN to fire him.
During a Tuesday appearance on “ESPN Chicago,” head coach Johnson was asked about the noise surrounding his team’s victory. With a slight smile, he addressed the commentary without mentioning Aikman by name, perfectly capturing the team’s mindset.
Troy Aikman getting called out by Ben Johnson 👀…
“It sounded like from that game the other night, a few people weren’t particularly pleased with how we are winning right now. I woke up this morning and my kids were watching the second half before school, so I heard some of… https://t.co/hfol0zkzFl
— Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) October 14, 2025
“It sounded like from that game the other night, a few people weren’t particularly pleased with how we are winning right now,” Johnson said. “I woke up this morning and my kids were watching the second half before school so I heard some of the commentary. But, listen, in this league any way you can find a way to win.”
Johnson’s response was a masterclass in modern coaching. He acknowledged the outside criticism, defended his team’s hard-fought victory, and firmly shifted the focus back to what truly matters: the final score.
His comments signal a new era for the Bears, one led by a coach who is not only sharp and energetic but also unafraid to protect his players and push back against negative narratives. Ultimately, he made it clear that while pundits can debate style points, the Bears are in the business of winning, no matter how it looks.