Randle El Takes the Wheel: Second-Half Masterclass Sparks Bears' 24-0 Blowout

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears were looking for a spark. They got a play-calling masterclass from the most unexpected source on the sideline.

With Ben Johnson handing the offensive keys to wide receivers coach/assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El for the second half of Saturday's preseason opener, the Bears flipped the switch on the Cleveland Browns, ripping off 24 unanswered points in a 34-10 demolition at Soldier Field.

In just two quarters, the offense piled up 12 first downs and 235 yards—and suddenly, the preseason felt very real for Chicago.

'Phenomenal job'

Randle El didn't just call plays. He orchestrated. Johnson watched as Randle El worked with veteran QB Case Keenum, then seamlessly shifted to Miller Moss, keeping both in rhythm and the Browns completely off-balance.

"I thought he did a phenomenal job with Case taking the reins and then transition on over to Miller just to see how he was trying to stay in their wheelhouse," Johnson said. "He was part of the quarterback meeting last night... a phenomenal experience for him, and I know our guys rallied around that as well."

For Randle El—a nine-year NFL wideout with Pittsburgh and Washington—this was the latest step in a coaching rise that started alongside Johnson in Detroit. And his players see exactly where this is headed.

"I know he's going to be a head coach," Keenum said. "His demeanor in front of the team, his leadership qualities, are top-notch. Some of the best I've been around."

Backup QB Tyson Bagent echoed the love: "Has anybody ever had a better first outing than Antwaan Randle El? He's always prepared. It was not surprising, at least for us on the sideline."

A growing trend in Chicago

This wasn't just a one-night experiment. Johnson has made a habit of letting his assistants run the show in the preseason. Last year, it was Declan Doyle—then Chicago's offensive coordinator—who got the call in exhibition action. Now Doyle is the OC in Baltimore, set to call his own offense for real.

Johnson believes Randle El is next in line for that kind of leap.

"Here's the thing about El, I think he's got a chance to be an offensive coordinator in this league," Johnson said. "I think he's got a chance to be a head coach in this league. I think he would do a phenomenal job in both those respects."

And as Johnson continues to experiment with other staffers calling plays this preseason, one thing is clear: The Bears might have uncovered their next star—before the regular season even starts.