Have the Bears already peaked?
· Yahoo Sports
Have the Bears already peaked? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There's no getting around that the 2026 season was simply amazing for the Chicago Bears. In their very first year with head coach Ben Johnson, the team thrived and went from last place in the NFC North to the No. 1 spot. That's rare for a coach in his first year ever being a head coach.
Visit grenadier.co.za for more information.
What a thrill. But, will it last? That's the question facing the Bears going into their second year with Johnson. Will he be able to take quarterback Caleb Williams to the next level?
In a USA Today piece out on Monday, reporter Nick Brinkerhoff names the Bears the No. 20 team on his "vibe check" radar. That actually means he doesn't think they're a super vibe-worthy team this season. Say what?
Chicago Bears given a warning ahead of 2026 season
Brinkerhoff asks the question of whether the Bears have "peaked" already under Johnson. That's a worrisome thought.
"The Bears are no longer the hunters," he says. "Opponents know what they're up against and that will leave some wondering if the Bears peaked in 2025."
He adds, "It sounds crazy, but the same was true of the Lions after 2023 and look at where they are now. Ben Johnson's second season gives fans a reason for hope, however."
That's a slam on the Detroit Lions, of course. But, the thing with the Lions is that they tanked after Johnson left. With the Bears, they're benefiting from Johnson being in the fold, so there's no reason to think that Chicago has already peaked under him. Reach out to me with your thoughts.