New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is taking a very analytical approach in his first season, emphasizing one specific stat.
This week at the NFL Owners Meetings, Johnson spoke to the media about a long list of topics, and one of the main things he's going to focus on: Passing game EPA (expected points added).
One of the main goals for Johnson as head coach is to build and develop Caleb Williams to the next level, where he can establish himself as the long-term franchise quarterback. In doing so, Johnson will have to limit turnovers from Williams, who only threw six interceptions as a rookie, and now his new head coach will expand his focus to EPA and how it can positively impact the team next season.
This is extremely important as Ben Johnson takes over as #Bears head coach: passing game EPA now matters more than turnover margin 🔊 pic.twitter.com/dmAtQZLTy2
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) April 1, 2025
"The way I understand it right now from our analytics team, the EPA in the passing game is really one of the most critical factors in determining wins and losses right now,” Johnson said. “From what I understand, that EPA for the passing game has now surpassed that. Whatever team has the higher passing game EPA at the end of the game, they generally win that game over 80 percent of the time.
"It’s a huge stat. For me, it is completion percentage. Usually when you’re talking about completion percentage, the distance from the line of scrimmage, the completion percentage goes down. If you’re going to emphasize higher completions and shorter throws, that’s where the run after catch for your pass catchers comes into play."
To put EPA in perspective, the Detroit Lions (with Johnson as offensive coordinator) had the second-best EPA per pass while the Bears ranked 22nd (and 28th when it was EPA per dropback). Having a good EPA, combined with limited turnovers, should help elevate not only the Bears offense but Williams' play at the quarterback position.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson emphasizes importance of passing game EPA
