Familiar with Ben Johnson’s demanding scheme, Chicago’s offensive line is poised for another strong season, and Jonah Jackson can't wait to show what he can do.
Jonah Jackson is one of three members of the Chicago Bears' offense who have more than one full season in Ben Johnson's offense.
The Bears' starting right guard, running back D'Andre Swift and wide receiver Kalif Raymond all spent time with Johnson while they were in Detroit. It was there that the three veterans learned about Johnson's demanding nature and pursuit of excellence within his offense.
But with a majority of the offense returning from last season, Jackson can already see his teammates benefiting from that first year in Johnson's offense.
“I said this the other day, like the first week out, just breaking the huddle, it was clean, crisp cadence, everything," Jackson said. "Guys are comfortable with what we're doing, and the scheme and understanding of things is there. The flow of practice has been much easier.”
And that's the case even with a newcomer on the offensive line. Garrett Bradbury is in his first season with the Bears at center after spending last season in New England and his first six years with the Minnesota Vikings.
Bradbury fills an important position on the Bears' roster after former center Drew Dalman retired this offseason, but the transition has been seamless.
“Yeah, I mean, I feel like having Garrett in there, he's been in the league now for eight years, so a lot of schemes and things he's been around are very similar to what we do," Jackson said. "And he's a smart guy, and (OL) Joe (Thuney) had a lot of familiarity with him. So knowing that and getting to know him a little more, I feel like it's been pretty easy to gel together.”
That gelling process also comes together quicker because there is plenty of experience on the Bears' offense line. To Jackson's right, he has Darnell Wright, who is entering his fourth season and coming off a second-team All-Pro year.
Joe Thuney won the first-ever Protector of the Year award in his first season with the Bears.
“He's the same guy every single day," Jackson said. "Probably the most consistent person outside of Ben (Johnson) that I've seen in the league. He handles his business. He's a grownup. He's a pro's pro.”
Then there is a battle at left tackle between Braxton Jones and Jedrick Wills. Although Jones didn't play much last season, Jackson still went through entire year with the former fifth-round pick from Southern Utah.
Going into this offseason, Jackson sees a clear difference in Jones.
“When I got here last year, I think he was coming off some stuff," Jackson said. "But this year, he looks like a house. He's moving well. Just in individual, we haven't really been able to go one-on-one yet, but his movement and confidence in what he's doing has been exponentially different from last year.”
The Bears relied heavily on their offensive line last season, finishing with the third most rushing yards (2,345) and allowing the third fewest sacks (24). This second season under Johnson shouldn't be any different, especially with the experience and talent on the unit.
Last season proved to be a major momentum builder for Chicago's O-line, and Jackson is just getting started. He finished the 2025 season with just three sacks allowed and a 72.3 run blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
With the veteran comfortable in the offensive scheme and building on 17 regular-season starts from a year ago, Jackson is looking forward to what he can do in his second year with the Bears.
“It was big, just getting confidence back and knowing what I'm able to do and how I can contribute to the team," Jackson said. "I just want to build off it again. I'm still in my prime years. I got some juice left in the tank, so I just want to build off it.”
