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Ben Johnson

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Bears Set to Prove Critics Wrong in 2026 with Williams-Johnson Leading Charge
sports10 days ago

Bears Set to Prove Critics Wrong in 2026 with Williams-Johnson Leading Charge

The piece notes the Bears’ surprising 11-6, NFC North–winning 2025 season and the widespread belief they’ll regress in 2026 due to a brutal schedule and roster turnover, including key departures. It argues, however, that Williams’ second year in Johnson’s offense, improved health, and a favorable travel schedule could help Chicago defy pessimistic projections and even chase another playoff run.

Bears lean into offense on Day 2, trusting Ben Johnson’s plan
sports1 month ago

Bears lean into offense on Day 2, trusting Ben Johnson’s plan

The Bears used three Day 2 picks to bolster their offense, selecting Iowa center Logan Jones to back up and potentially seize the starting role, Stanford tight end Sam Roush as a versatile inline/off-ball option, and LSU returner Zavion Thomas to add speed and a kick-return threat, all in line with Ben Johnson’s offensive philosophy. While the offense gets a boost and added competition, Chicago still faces defensive questions ahead of Day 3 as they hope to improve the roster depth.

Johnson's Tough Push Could Unlock Williams' Super Bowl Ceiling
sports1 month ago

Johnson's Tough Push Could Unlock Williams' Super Bowl Ceiling

Caleb Williams capped a record-breaking 2025 season for the Chicago Bears with 3,941 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, seven interceptions, seven fourth-quarter comebacks, a division title, and a playoff win over Green Bay. After the season, Bears coach Ben Johnson pulled Williams aside and warned that the standard will be higher and the work tougher, and Williams responded with a firm “let’s do it.” Johnson argues that only relentless, championship-level coaching yields a true Super Bowl quarterback, and Williams—now in his second year in the same offense with more surrounding talent—appears ready to embrace that challenge.

Bears promote Press Taylor to offensive coordinator, keeping Johnson’s system intact
nfl3 months ago

Bears promote Press Taylor to offensive coordinator, keeping Johnson’s system intact

The Chicago Bears promote passing game coordinator Press Taylor to offensive coordinator, replacing Declan Doyle who left for the Ravens. Taylor, 38, will not call plays in Chicago but will work with Ben Johnson to install the game plan as Chicago aims to sustain their offense with a young core led by Caleb Williams and a surrounding group of playmakers.

Bears Offense Focuses on Finishing Plays and Catches, Not Just Schemes
sports4 months ago

Bears Offense Focuses on Finishing Plays and Catches, Not Just Schemes

Ben Johnson said the Bears’ offseason focus must be on fundamentals, especially catching the football, after a season marred by drops that cost opportunities for Caleb Williams and the offense. With 34 drops by Bears receivers (playoffs included) and air-yard losses tied to drops, the team is pushing to turn good throws into completions and points, emphasizing accountability and refinement as they prepare for 2026.

Bears coach Ben Johnson eyes 2026 after breakout first season
sports4 months ago

Bears coach Ben Johnson eyes 2026 after breakout first season

After guiding the Bears to the 2025 NFC North title and their first postseason win by a first-year head coach, Ben Johnson says he’s already focused on 2026, insisting there’s no resting on last season and that Chicago must start from scratch. He praised the team’s physicality, fundamentals, and poise, noted Caleb Williams’ development—with a franchise single-season passing mark of 3,942 yards—and said the group will tighten fundamentals, catching, and consistency when they reconvene in the spring as they chase another championship run.

Poles Pledges Higher Standards for a Hungry Bears in 2026
sports4 months ago

Poles Pledges Higher Standards for a Hungry Bears in 2026

After Chicago’s season-ending OT loss to the Rams, Bears GM Ryan Poles said the organization isn’t finished raising the standard, praising first-year coach Ben Johnson, the front-office/coaching collaboration, and the development of young players like Darnell Wright, Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III. He stressed progress without complacency, noted injuries and potential free-agent moves (including Kevin Byard), and signaled big roster decisions as the team shifts to 2026, aiming for a championship-caliber identity rather than the “Cardiac Bears” label, with Soldier Field’s playoff atmosphere fueling higher expectations.

Bears flip the script in wild-card win over Packers with five key takeaways
sports4 months ago

Bears flip the script in wild-card win over Packers with five key takeaways

The Bears erased a 21-3 halftime deficit to beat the Packers 31-27 in the wild-card round, sparked by a second-half defensive clampdown and late offensive drives. Special teams delivered with Cairo Santos' three field goals (including a 51-yard playoff long) and Devin Duvernay's return yards. Dennis Allen’s adjustments helped slow Green Bay after three early TDs, while Caleb Williams presented Johnson a game ball and praised his impact. Johnson leaned into the historic Bears–Packers rivalry and became the first Bears coach to win a postseason game in his first season.

Watt backs Bears’ locker-room dig at Packers, reviving a fierce rivalry
sports4 months ago

Watt backs Bears’ locker-room dig at Packers, reviving a fierce rivalry

After the Bears’ wild-card victory over the Packers, Ben Johnson shouted an expletive directed at Green Bay in the locker room. J.J. Watt praised the moment on The Pat McAfee Show, saying it embodies old-school, competitive Bears–Packers rivalry and that fans shouldn’t overreact. The piece frames the moment as a reminder of the intensity of one of football’s oldest rivalries, despite Packers fans feeling snubbed and the broader debate about tone in sports banter.