The NFL preseason often feels like a dress rehearsal—a necessary but somewhat forgettable prelude to the main event. But every now and then, something happens that makes you sit up and take notice. This weekend, it was Antwaan Randle El’s turn to steal the spotlight, and frankly, I wasn’t expecting it. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Randle El, a former player turned assistant coach, stepped into a role that’s typically reserved for the seasoned play-callers and delivered a performance that’s hard to ignore.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a fluke. The Chicago Bears’ 34-10 blowout of the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener was impressive, but what stood out to me was the second-half offensive explosion under Randle El’s guidance. Personally, I think this speaks volumes about his preparedness and his ability to connect with players. It’s one thing to know the playbook inside and out, but it’s another to translate that knowledge into actionable, effective play-calling.
One thing that immediately stands out is how Randle El approached the game. Case Keenum’s observation that Randle El ‘liked to throw it’ is telling. In a sport where conservatism often reigns, especially in preseason, Randle El’s willingness to take risks—even with rain in the forecast—is refreshing. What many people don’t realize is that this kind of boldness can be a game-changer, especially when it’s backed by a deep understanding of the offense.
The 49-yard touchdown pass to Salvon Ahmed is a perfect example. On paper, it’s just another play. But if you take a step back and think about it, it’s a masterpiece of execution. The screen play, the blockers getting into space, Ahmed’s vision—it all came together in a way that felt almost effortless. This raises a deeper question: how much of this success is due to Randle El’s play-calling, and how much is the result of the players’ execution? In my opinion, it’s a bit of both, but the fact that Randle El could orchestrate such a play in his first outing is no small feat.
What this really suggests is that Randle El has the potential to go far in coaching. Ben Johnson’s endorsement of him as a future coordinator or head coach isn’t just lip service. From my perspective, Randle El’s relatability to players—his ability to communicate without ‘coachspeak’—is a huge asset. Players trust him because he’s been in their shoes. That kind of authenticity is rare, and it’s something that can’t be taught.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s still preseason, and while Randle El’s performance was impressive, it’s just one game. What makes this moment interesting, though, is the broader trend it reflects: the rise of former players stepping into coaching roles and making an immediate impact. If you look at the league, there’s a growing number of coaches who’ve made the transition from the field to the sidelines, and many of them are thriving.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Randle El handled the pressure. This wasn’t just a routine assignment; it was a mini-audition, and he aced it. In a league where opportunities are hard to come by, moments like these can be career-defining. Personally, I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from Randle El in the coming years.
If you take a step back and think about it, this story is about more than just a successful preseason game. It’s about potential, about what happens when preparation meets opportunity. It’s about the evolution of coaching in the NFL and the value of experience. And it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most exciting stories come from the sidelines, not just the field.
So, while the Bears’ win was impressive, it’s Randle El’s performance that has me thinking. In a league that’s constantly searching for the next great coach, maybe we’ve just found one. Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Antwaan Randle El is a name to watch.
