How Can the 2026 Bears Keep Their Momentum Going in Week Five?
Despite playing without star quarterback Caleb Williams, the 2026 Chicago Bears have hit a stride. They have won two in a row, beating the Eagles 27-7 and the Jets 23-12. Chicago controlled the pace of both games, leaning on a strong running game and a defense on a hot streak. However, the schedule does not get any easier. The Bears will travel to face the Green Bay Packers. Last season, the rivalry was renewed with three close games. Chicago got the last laugh, knocking the Packers out of the playoffs. Now, they look to repeat the success in the first game of 2026 between the two iconic rivals.
Get Pressure on Jordan Love
One major key for the Bears to keep their momentum is to pressure Jordan Love. Love has proven to be a dangerous quarterback. He can make you pay even when you make him uncomfortable. Chicago's pass coverage has been better recently, but it is still far from elite. One thing that has helped the secondary is the improved pass rush. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is drawing up creative looks that have put veterans in the perfect position to succeed.
Chicago has 10 sacks, tied for the eighth most in the league. Dayo Odeyingbo leads the way with three. Montez Sweat and Austin Booker each have two. This is a promising sign, as they got little pressure last season. If they can keep this up, the Bears' chances of winning increase significantly. However, if Love has all day to throw, the defense could be shredded apart. Chicago will have a backup quarterback, which makes it hard to know what the offense will do, so the defense needs to step up, and that starts with the pass rush.
Keep the Quick Passing Game Going
As for the backup quarterback situation, it hasn't affected Chicago's offense much yet. Obviously, you can not replace Willaims talent. However, both backups have stepped up. Case Keenum led the way against the Eagles, going 22-34 for 247 yards. He threw two touchdowns and ran for another score. Tyson Bagent got the start against the Jets, and while he did not score a touchdown, he completed 73.5% of his passes for 268 yards.
You can give Ben Johnson a lot of credit for reworking the offense, but Keenum and Bagent both had to step up. They completed quick passes that moved the ball effectively. It was not the traditional explosive plays you get from Williams, but it worked. They each controlled the pace of the game, and combined with the running game, it was enough to secure the wins. If the Bears wish to keep the momentum, the passing game needs to show up. Quick and accurate passes could do enough to guide Chicago to a critical division win.
Control the Clock
A final key to a Bears win is controlling the clock. The game against the Jets showed why this is crucial. Chicago had 34 first downs on 89 plays, compared to only seven first downs on 32 plays for the Jets. The Bears possessed the ball for almost 43 minutes. The defense stayed fresh, which boosted their performance. Possessing the ball longer is key for all teams, but it is crucial for Chicago. The defense has holes, and with a backup quarterback, it is hard to know what you will get from your offense. A repeat of Week Four's performance probably won't happen, but controlling the game would help Chicago win a third straight game.
Final Analysis
Despite injuries, the 2026 Bears have hit their stride. They have two straight wins convincingly. However, they must go on the road to face the Packers. On defense, they need to put pressure on Love. Offensively, they need to pass quickly and control the clock. Even with the Packers' struggles, they are not an easy team to beat. Division games are always hard to predict as they mean so much to each team. Chicago has a chance to build on their early-season momentum, and they can not let it slip by.
