The Chicago Bears are led by first-year head coach Ben Johnson, who is attempting to shift the direction of a struggling organization. Throughout the offseason, the team’s message has centered on becoming tougher and dominating opponents. That mindset was on full display during a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins, where the defense was accused of crossing the line.
“No, it was dirty. You aren’t supposed to hit in a joint practice. The Bears were lighting people up. There was one instance where a Bears defender tried to closed line a Dolphins receiver. Who does that on a football field, much less a practice,” Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly posted.
Two weeks into the regular season, it feels like the Bears are still stuck in the same cycle they’ve been in for years—exactly what the team hoped to avoid under Johnson, who is widely seen as a coach with great potential.
“With a new coach, new offensive line and new start for Caleb Williams, this was supposed to be the year the Bears weren’t a disappointment. And yet, here we are, two games into the season and Chicago is already in its usual tailspin,” USA Today’s Nancy Armour wrote.
The Bears were dominated by the Detroit Lions on Sunday, prompting questions about Johnson’s decision to leave Detroit for Chicago. Many are beginning to believe he made a major mistake.
“The Ben Johnson decision STILL boggles my mind… why Caleb Williams? Why the struggling Bears franchise? Why select the division with the Lions, Packers and Vikings, 3 high quality teams? He doomed himself, here he is getting SMOKED by Amon-Ra 3 tds,” NFL writer John Franscella wrote.
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While there’s still a long season ahead, the way Chicago lost its first two games is deeply concerning. Johnson could have remained in Detroit, continuing to run one of the league’s top offenses, but instead he chose to stay in the same division—arguably one of the toughest in the NFC. The decision remains puzzling, but if the Bears can turn things around, Johnson may yet prove why he took the risk.
