Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson said he has already started thinking about the 2026 season to find the missing pieces to put Chicago in position for success.
Among the areas that need improvement in Johnson’s eyes is the chemistry between quarterback Caleb Williams and his pass catchers.
“When I think about it fundamentally, we have to do a better job of catching the ball next season,” Johnson said. I can tell you that we will emphasize this when the players return for spring camp. »
The Bears have fumbled 29 balls this season, the fifth-highest total in the NFL. Running back Kyle Monangai finished the year at the top for the Bears with six dropped passes, followed by Olamide Zaccheaus (5), Luther Burden III (4) and D’Andre Swift (4).
Several players spoke about missed opportunities during the season due to the passing game’s woes. In Chicago’s playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, wide receiver Rome Odunze lamented dropping a pass in the end zone on the Bears’ first drive, a play that turned into an interception.
Johnson held a conference Wednesday morning, three days after the Bears were eliminated. When he was questioned about his vision of the interception in overtime and the work of DJ Moore, criticized for his effort, Johnson took the blame.
“Here’s what I’m going to say about this particular game: If there’s a lack of communication, that’s my problem. It’s no one’s problem but me. I have to do a better job. »
Johnson said he was already ready for next season, but he didn’t think the Bears’ success (11 wins, an NFC North title and first playoff win in 15 years) would automatically carry over into next year.
“There is nothing to build on this. We’re back to the bottom of the ladder again. This is the reality for all 32 teams. If you feel otherwise, you’re probably missing the bigger picture. We have to start from scratch, we have to go back to basics. Several guys commented on how difficult the camp had been; I didn’t feel it was anything out of the ordinary. They know the expectations. They know the process. I think that above all, they adhere to it. »
“We need to dig a little deeper. We have to work a little harder, we have to give a little more if we want to reach the top. It’s no different – if you want to lose weight, if you want to lose 50 pounds, the first 30 pounds are the easiest. The last 20 are the most difficult. We’ve done a good job this year, but it’s not enough. We must do more. »
