A key moment was made as Minnesota Viking Kevin O’Connell directed running back and kick returner Ty Chandler to return the kickoff out of the end zone to run the clock down to the two-minute warning on Monday night.
This move forced the Chicago Bears to aim for a last-second comeback without timeouts, eventually resulting in a 27-24 score for the Vikings. Chicago now has a 0-1 record after its season opener.
Fans Bewildered by Kicking Decision from Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson
That pivotal decision made by new Bears head coach Ben Johnson to not kick the ball out of bounds ultimately sealed the deal for Minnesota.
Needless to say, fans and major league analysts were not happy and at a loss about the decision.
Key moment as Kevin O’Connell directs Ty Chandler to return the kickoff out of the end zone to run clock to two-minute warning.
MINvsCHI on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/JMjLsYMxKx— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2025
“What a boneheaded decision by Chicago. That has to go out of bounds or out of the end zone. Just gave up a timeout for nothing,” said league podcaster Andy Herman of the clock management error.
“Yet another clock management mistake if you can’t boot it out of the end zone you kick it out of bounds, the time is more valuable than the yardage,” said a Denver Broncos insider.
What a boneheaded decision by Chicago. That has to go out of bounds or out of the end zone. Just gave up a timeout for nothing.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) September 9, 2025
Yet another clock management mistake
if you can’t boot it out of the end zone you kick it out of bounds, the time is more valuable than the yardage
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) September 9, 2025
Unfortunately for Johnson, the decision will headline his debut as the Bears head coach. He previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions from Feb. 2022 until he was hired as Matt Eberflus’s replacement on Jan. 21, 2025.
Johnson’s coaching career began all the way back in 2009 when he was hired as a graduate assistant for the Boston College Eagles.
“WHY DID THEY KICK IT OFF?? Kick it out of bounds or onside,” asked 14-year NFL veteran Chase Daniel.
WHY DID THEY KICK IT OFF?? Kick it out of bounds or onside???
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) September 9, 2025
“The coaching move there had to simply be to kick the ball out of bounds. Who cares about the difference between giving it up at the 40 vs 35, you simply can’t risk not getting the 2min warning stoppage. Ben Johnson’s first major game management mistake,” said Nick Wright.
The coaching move there had to simply be to kick the ball out of bounds. Who cares about the difference between giving it up at the 40 vs 35, you simply can’t risk not getting the 2min warning stoppage.
Ben Johnson’s first major game management mistake.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) September 9, 2025
The Bears concluded the Sept. 8 matchup with 318 total yards, 199 of which were passing and 119 on the rush.
“The #Bears should’ve just kicked it out of bounds and let them get the ball at the 40. Big mistake,” said Ari Meirov.
The #Bears should’ve just kicked it out of bounds and let them get the ball at the 40. Big mistake.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 9, 2025
“I dig this,” said another NFL insider.
I dig this. https://t.co/XBXpEWjWkX
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) September 9, 2025
Kick it out of bounds if you don’t have the leg! Unbelievable
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 9, 2025
“Kick it out of bounds if you don’t have the leg! Unbelievable,” said yet another league analyst.
It’s also worth mentioning that Johnson and the Bears lost despite having more time with the football, finishing with a 32:53 time of possession compared to Minnesota’s 27:07. Johnson’s next time to prove himself under Chicago’s new era is against his former franchise of the Lions on Sunday, Sept. 14.
