The Chicago Bears entered the 2026 season with high expectations after a magical 2025 season, but most national media outlets think the Bears will regress because of how many of last year’s wins relied on amazing late comebacks. Can you always rely on magic?
While all those miracles were great fun to watch, they don’t make a team great long term. During a press conference, a reporter asked if Coach Ben Johnson had seen a video of the Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, who had spoken about his team being overlooked while the Bears get so much attention because of last season.
“Well, we’re the No. 1 regression candidate,” Johnson said, “so I think we’ve got plenty of motivation ourselves.”
When you have these types of comments coming out in the media, a coach will use it as fuel any way he can. The Bears will win plenty of games because of him and because of quarterback Caleb Williams. While Williams didn’t have the best start to his rookie year under Coach Matt Eberflus, he has grown into a better player under Johnson.
As we saw in the Carolina game, which the Bears won 59-37, Williams was decisive and knew where he wanted to go with the football. Timing and accuracy have improved by miles. Plus, when you score 59 points in a week one game, the sky is the limit. Johnson and Williams have both said, publicly and without hesitation, that they plan to be great.
“I want to have the highest-scoring offense ever, which happens to be the 2013 Denver Broncos,” Johnson said. “I know how many points per game they scored [37.9], and I want to surpass them. I want shutouts. I want blowouts.”
This was one of the most anticipated off-seasons in a long time for the Bears because they didn’t have to scramble for another head coach and quarterback this year like in past years. Johnson and Williams have finally filled that role.
Historically, you think of the Bears and think of the ‘85 defense and that Super Bowl-winning team in 1985. Now, you can start thinking about the Super Bowl for this Bears team.
Some fans may not agree since the Bears have always had trouble with quarterbacks in the past, and with coaches. Since 2018, there have been 10 different quarterbacks that have either started games or have been the long-term guy.
Those doubts arose again when Williams injured his right hamstring during the week two match against the Minnesota Vikings. However, after concern that Williams’ entire season might be in jeopardy, Johnson said that Williams is considered “week-to-week.” The quarterback’s departure should not affect the team’s long-term outlook and current season.
Everyone saw 2018 and the magic that team had until that double doink (field goal attempt that hit two posts before missing and ending the season). Ever since then, it’s been nothing good until Johnson arrived. He brought the thing the Bears have been missing: a good offense.
Historically, you think of the Bears and think of the ‘85 defense and that Super Bowl-winning team. Now, you can start thinking about the Super Bowl for this Bears team.
The defense definitely has raised questions by giving up 37 points to the Panthers, though. This is no ’85 defense. The Bears’ defense relied on takeaways last year, leading the NFL in interceptions. But the key guys that got those interceptions are gone: Nashon Wright (5), Kevin Byard (7) and Tremaine Edmunds (4). The Bears definitely have work to do, but if they can play aggressive and clean football they will be just fine.
While they did sign free agent safety Coby Bryant, he got hurt during training camp and is out for four to six months while having surgery on his knee. On the defensive side, we saw great flashes from 1st round pick Dillon Thieneman, a safety. He was great all around the field, making plays from all over. Thieneman has stepped up, and hopefully he can keep that up. Someone who also stood out was receiver Jahdae Walker, an undrafted free agent. He was making plays everywhere on special teams and offense, making key blocks and tackles and huge hits, which helped a ton.
But this year’s success will be centered on the offense, and the finally-answered question at quarterback. Great teams always seem to have a special coach-quarterback combo. The Bears never do. . .until now.
This offense can’t be stopped long-term, when you have two running backs running for 100 yards each and then you add Williams’ mobility and passing. We saw that against the Panthers, and they can score even more and possibly beat the scoring record. I think the Bears will beat the Eagles Monday night at Soldier Field and the offense will be why, assuming Williams is able to play. The defense might give up 25 points a game, but Williams will turn into his Superman self and carry the Bears.
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