Coming off an 11-6 season, an NFC North division title, and a playoff win, all in the same season, for the first time since 2010, the Bears enter this season not just with hope but with expectation. Two words have been heard around Halas Hall that haven’t been spoken much since 2005: Super Bowl.
Ben Johnson’s first year at the helm was a success. Although he might disagree. Nothing short of the Lombardi trophy would seem to satisfy his competitive intensity. But the fact is, he revolutionized the offense, implementing constant motion, trick plays, and misdirection. And gave life, energy and more importantly wins to a franchise that desperately needed them.
In 2026, they went from last to 6th in total offense, from 25th to 3rd in rushing yards per game, and they allowed 44 fewer sacks. It was objectively one of the best offensive seasons in franchise history.
Bears fans have optimism about the future, something that has been lacking for quite a while. There is a lot to look forward to offensively, and many of last year’s standouts look to build off their success.
Luther Burden III looks to build off his impressive rookie year. Down the stretch, Burden emerged as one of Caleb’s favorite targets, totaling 21 receptions and 324 yards in just the last 4 games. He broke out in week 17 against the 49ers, catching 8 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown. He’ll be battling Rome Odunze to be the number one receiver.
Colston Loveland is already one of the best tight ends in the league. As the season progressed, he became Williams’s security blanket. It seemed every time Caleb made a big throw, Loveland was on the other end of it. From week 8 and on, he more than doubled his production. In the wild-card win against the Packers, he recorded eight catches for 137 yards, and eventually set the receiving rookie record for a tight end in the playoffs: 193. In just his second year, most experts already have him in the top five at his position.
Kyle Monangai was everything the Bears could have hoped for, and more. The 7th-round pick was arguably the team’s most productive back. From Weeks 9–14, he amassed 308 yards, the 10th most among all NFL running backs, while averaging 3.3 yards after contact during that span. He also placed himself in Bears history; his 176 rushing yards against Cincinnati ranks second in the franchise’s rookie history. If he can stay healthy given his brutal running style, look for him to steer clear of a sophomore slump.
There are also some offensive additions who look to make an impact.
Sam Roush has already shown flashes of what he can do. The rookie third-round tight end, although not the biggest pass-catching threat, will be vital in the run game. Roush plays with a low center of gravity and has good leverage, often acting as an extra offensive lineman. He will also be crucial in 13 personnel sets that Johnson uses often. Bears fans everywhere jumped off their couches on draft night, wondering why the Bears would select a tight end so early, given Loveland and veteran Cole Kmet. Sam Roush and Ben Johnson hope to answer that question,
Zavion Thomas is already turning heads. In his only preseason game, the rookie third-round wideout totaled 140 yards and a touchdown, including a 97-yard touchdown grab, a 39-yard KR, and a 22-yard PR. Often a gadget guy in college, used in the backfield and in motion, a perfect fit for Ben Johnson’s offense. The Bears haven’t had a player so dynamic since maybe Devin Hester.
The 2025 Bears defense developed a ball-hawk identity, leading the league in interceptions and total takeaways. Many of the pieces that made that identity so successful last year, including Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, and Nashon Wright, are now playing elsewhere.
This season, the Bears are going to have to rely on what they had and who they brought in.
Jaylon Johnson and Dayo Odeyingbo look to bounce back, as they both missed much of last year’s season. Montez Sweat looks to put up back-to-back double-digit sack years, and Austin Booker will try to build off his strong finish, recording 4.5 sacks over his final six regular-season games.
Defensively, along with the offense, there are a lot of new additions to look forward to.
Devin Bush excels when he can play freely in space. He is coming off a year where he led the league in pick-6s and total interception return yards. He stands out in zone and man coverage; he is very laterally quick and can cover bigger, faster receivers. Last year, he allowed just 0.49 yards per coverage snap, the best at his position. He can also diagnose the run and then get into the backfield.
Jordan Vanden Berg, the former JUCO product, put together an impressive summer. Throughout the preseason, he was relentless in getting into the backfield and was successful with his bull and finesse rush. He also showcased his speed and quickness, getting off the line of scrimmage in the run game. He showed so much promise that just after preseason, the team traded away Gervon Dexter Jr. to open up more playing time for Vanden Berg. The Bears are hoping they made the right choice. Time will tell.
Cobie Bryant has elite coverage skills and a knack for the football. Bryant, who came over from the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks this offseason, hyper-extended his knee during training camp and will likely miss the entire season. Losing their top free agent signing will hurt, and will put even more pressure on their rookie first round pick.
Dillon Thiemenan looks to make an impact early. With Brisker going to Pittsburgh, Byard to New England and Bryant now in street clothes, the rookie safety finds himself immediately in a starting role. The former Oregon duck has elite speed and sideline-to-sideline range. He is also a tackle machine; he recorded just over 300 tackles in his 3 years in college. The pressure will be on early for him. But he seems to have all the physical tools to overcome it.
This Bear season is shaping up to be one of the best in recent years. In a crowded NFC and tough NFC North, the team is going to need production all around- from new additions and returning players. If they get it, Ben Johnson and his team may be saying in February those two words they boldly tossed around in August.