How the Bears First-Year Head Coach Flipped the Script
After years of searching for stability and identity, the Chicago Bears finally look like a team with direction. In his first season, Ben Johnson has injected life and creativity into an offense that had lacked both for years. He has reshaped the culture by demanding accountability and leadership while establishing a standard that players have fully embraced. The result is a Bears team that not only looks different on the field, but also carries itself with a belief and purpose that fans have not seen in years.
The biggest reason for this turnaround has been the growth of the offense. Chicago has ranked inside the top 10 in both points and yards per game for nearly the entire season. Much of that success has been driven by the run game, which averages the second-most rushing yards per contest. That dominance allows the Bears to control tempo and dictate the flow of games. More importantly, it gives the offense a sustainable and efficient way to move the ball, reducing reliance on explosive plays by consistently picking up yardage and first downs.
While the run game garners much of the attention, the passing attack has been just as important. Caleb Williams Caleb Williams has shown rapid and impressive growth throughout the season. He has thrown for 3,400 yards and is closing in on rewriting history for the Bears. while also accounting for 23 passing touchdowns. Accuracy has remained a work in progress, but Williams’ development has been crucial to the team’s success. The balance between an elite rushing attack and steady quarterback play has transformed Chicago into a legitimate offensive threat.
The rest of the roster has not been as dominant as the offense, but it has not held the Bears back. The defense has battled injuries and struggled with allowing big plays at times, while special teams have been inconsistent. Despite those issues, both units have still played meaningful roles in Chicago’s success. However, those inconsistencies remain areas that could be exploited against stronger opponents.
The defense leads the league with 31 takeaways, repeatedly creating extra possessions for the offense. Special teams have also delivered key moments nearly every week. While neither unit has been flawless, their ability to step up in critical situations reflects the work ethic and accountability Johnson has instilled. In past seasons, similar shortcomings would have led directly to losses. This year, belief and effort have helped the Bears overcome those moments.
What truly separates this season is the cultural shift Johnson has created throughout the organization. Veterans and rookies alike have embraced leadership and responsibility. The Bears now play with pride, finish plays with urgency, and refuse to let momentum slip away when adversity hits. That mentality has turned belief into effort and effort into results, reshaping the team from the inside out.
Johnson has done more than improve the Bears; he has redefined who they are. Chicago now plays with confidence, direction, and genuine belief. Offense, defense, and special teams all contribute when it matters most. The Bears are no longer viewed as an underdog or a team expected to fall short. They have shown they can compete with top opponents and contend for a playoff spot. The Bears are not just flipping the script, they are rewriting it.
