Despite Ben Johnson’s surging offense, defensive regressions and key roster departures have analysts skeptical that Chicago can surpass last year’s eleven-win mark in a pivotal 2026 campaign.
The Chicago Bears are entering year two of the Ben Johnson era.
Last year's team had strengths and weaknesses. The offense took a major leap after finishing in the bottom half of the league in multiple stats under Matt Eberflus.
With Johnson calling the plays, the Bears were in the top 15 for passing yards, rushing yards and points per game. Establishing the run was a high priority, and it paid off. The Bears averaged the third-most rushing yards per game (144.5), which benefited the passing game.
On the other hand, the defense was a disaster at times.
The Bears had issues consistently sacking opposing quarterbacks. Chicago had the seventh-fewest sacks in the NFL at 35 last season.
The defense allowed the 11th-most passing yards (239.2), sixth-most rushing yards (134.5) and 10th-most points per game (24.4).
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen believes the defense's shortcomings stemmed from installing a new scheme. Regardless of whether that's true, the defense needs to improve because it's not a sustainable way to win in this league.
Predictions have started to be made about how the Bears will do this season, with First Things First's Danny Parkins forecasting no fall off.
After going 11-6, no fall off could look like finishing with the same record again in 2026. That's exactly what ESPN's Aaron Schatz predicted, putting the Bears in his least improved teams category.
Even though the Bears patched holes on defense with the signings of Coby Bryant and Tremaine Edmunds, as well as drafting another starting safety in Dillon Thieneman, he believed it may not be enough to get over 11 wins.
"The Bears had a poor defense last season and check a lot of boxes that suggest it will get even worse in 2026," Schatz said. "Much better on third down than first or second down? Likely to get worse. Led the league in turnovers per drive? Likely to get worse. Lost talent in the offseason, including both starting safeties, one of whom (Kevin Byard) was a first-team All-Pro? Likely to get worse. The offense should improve in the second season with coach Ben Johnson, even despite the loss of center Drew Dalman and wide receiver DJ Moore. However, it will need to be very strong to overcome the defense and go 12-5 or better."
Losing D.J. Moore is going to leave a hole in the receiver room, but there is a player with a similar skillset already on the roster in Luther Burden. Drew Dalman's retirement came as a shock, but the team traded for New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury, who looks to be a suitable replacement.
The offense should have no problems being competent under Johnson. Fortunately for the Bears, being one of the least-improved teams means they are still a playoff contender.
The question is, does the offense have enough firepower to support the defense if it's inconsistent again?
