The Chicago Bears keep finding ways to win, and the confidence around this team feels different — because it is. Ben Johnson has brought a new culture, Caleb Williams continues to deliver late, and the offense has become the heartbeat of the roster. Still, there’s plenty to clean up. Here are ten takeaways from Sunday’s win that stood out most.
1. The Ben Johnson Effect Is Undeniable
From game planning to attitude, everything about the Bears looks sharper under Ben Johnson. The offense has true fire power, the sideline feels composed, and there’s an unmistakable sense of belief. Chicago finally has a coach who knows how to push the right buttons.
2. Drops Are Becoming a Real Problem
It’s hard to sustain momentum when receivers can’t finish plays. The number of drive-killing drops is piling up, and it’s costing this offense chances to put games away. At some point, accountability has to set in — some guys are running out of grace. Looking at you OZ.
3. Luther Burden Is Ready for More
When Burden touches the ball, sparks fly. His burst and ability to create yards after the catch stand out every week. The coaching staff should find more ways to get the ball in his hands — he changes the offense’s ceiling. He simply needs more reps. I trust Ben Johnson to see that.
4. Caleb Williams Keeps Coming Through
No, the box score won’t wow you — but that’s missing the point. Williams calmness under pressure and ability to elevate the team late in games is everything you want in a franchise quarterback. He’s proving again and again that he’s built for this. The Bears won because of their quarterback on Sunday. Yes, you read that right.
5. CJ Gardner-Johnson Brings an Edge
Since stepping in for Kyler Gordon, Gardner-Johnson has been all over the field. His attitude, energy, and physical playstyle have made an immediate impact. Dennis Allen clearly trusts him, and it shows — he’s thriving in this defense.
6. Colston Loveland Deserves More Love
Every time Loveland gets involved, good things happen. His hands are like glue, his timing with Williams is sharp, and he consistently makes the routine plays that move the chains. More targets his way wouldn’t hurt. Similar to the Luther Burden situation.
7. The Run Game Needs More Balance
Even though the stat sheet looks fine thanks to Williams legs, the Bears left yards on the table by not running the ball more. When they did, it worked — and staying balanced should be a bigger priority moving forward. The combo of Kyle Monangai and D'Andre Swift is becoming really fun to watch.
8. Defensive Lapses Remain a Concern
The Bears defense continues to have stretches of confusion. Missed assignments and poor gap discipline turned what could’ve been stops into big plays. That trend needs to change fast.
9. Jaxson Dart’s Mobility Was a Wake-Up Call
The defense had no real answer for Dart’s ability to scramble. Too often, he broke containment and moved the sticks with his legs. If the Bears don’t tighten up their contain, mobile quarterbacks will continue to exploit them. Dart looked really good however.
10. Turnovers Are Hiding Bigger Issues
The Bears defense continues to survive on takeaways, but that’s not something you can rely on forever. It’s been a band-aid solution — one that’s worked for now, but won’t hold up against better opponents. Hopefully Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson can get back.
Final Thought:
This isn’t the same old Bears. They’re far from perfect, but under Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams, they finally have direction — and a real sense that winning football has returned to Chicago.
