What Challenges Could Hold the 2026 Bears Offense Back?
In 2025, the Chicago Bears offense had a breakout season. Caleb Williams has proven himself to be a franchise quarterback, something the team has lacked for quite some time. Additionally, Ben Johnson showed exactly why he was one of the top head coaching candidates last offseason. The defense struggled, but the offense led Chicago to a division title. The Bears failed to address the defensive line, meaning that 2026 could be the same story as last year. Unfortunately, the offense faces a few challenges in 2026.
Opponents Learning the System
One of the clearest issues is that opponents have more film on the Bears' offense. Obviously, Johnson has a lot of play-calling experience from his time with the Lions, but Chicago was always going to be different. Williams is a special athlete that not many teams have. Last season, nobody knew what to expect from these two joining together. This made it hard to prepare for facing them. Johnson has shown he can come up with creative plays, so he may continue to adapt his system. However, now there is a year of film to study. It is not guaranteed, but there is a chance the offense will take a step back as opposing defenses become more familiar with the system.
Lack of Proven Weapons
Another possible challenge is the lack of proven weapons. Chicago traded D.J. Moore, who was the main veteran in the receiver room. Now, Luther Burden and Rome Odunze take the lead. In the tight end room, they have a great duo with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet. While Kmet has been with the team for some time, he is not expected to be among the top targets. Chicago will likely rely on the young talent to lead the way.
There is optimism that Burden could take the next step, but he is currently working back from an injury. Loveland had an amazing rookie season and could be on the verge of becoming one of the league's best tight ends. Odunze has had an up-and-down career, but is extremely talented. While these three have massive potential, they are all young and unproven. They have not been allowed to prove they can be one of the team's top targets. If they cannot step up, Chicago may struggle to establish a consistent passing game.
Uncertainty on the Offensive Line
One of the biggest storylines this offseason has been the offensive line. Drew Dalman retired, which leaves a newcomer starting at center. Garrett Bradbury is expected to start, with rookie Logan Jones behind him. The room has potential, but both will be new to the system and need to prove they can play in Chicago's offense. Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson are both returning, maintaining some stability in the interior of the offensive line. Finally, Darnell Wright is locking down right tackle, and although he is dealing with an injury, he should be good to go for the regular season.
Unfortunately, the left tackle battle has made the offensive line far more concerning. None of the competitors have looked great, leaving the job wide open. It has become clear that the position may be the biggest weakness on the offense. The revolving door at left tackle has made it hard to build chemistry along the offensive line. Adding a new center also means the group will look different from what it was in 2025. Johnson likes to rely on the running game, and if there are not running lanes, the offense will struggle to get anything going. Williams can avoid pressure, but he still needs the protection to give him time to throw.
The Bears offense has plenty of talent, but a few questions remain heading into the 2026 season. Opposing defenses will have more film to study, while the young receiving corps will need to prove they can consistently produce. The offensive line also has some major question marks, especially at left tackle and center. If Chicago can find answers at these positions, the offense could be one of the better units in the league. However, if these issues become problems throughout the season, the Bears could struggle to match last year's success.
