***Chicago Bears Thread*** Ben Johnson hired. The Resurrection Begins! (4 Viewers)

[Ghost Rider]

Ben Johnson obviously knows offense, but I am not sure he is a leader of men. In both games so far, he has spent most of that time looking like he was just told he has Stage 4 cancer. Not saying he has to be all rah rah when things aren't going right, but he strikes me as the opposite of a players coach. The fact that he referred to Goff, a player he worked closely with for years, after the game as "the quarterback with them" tells me that he has the personality of drying paint. I feel bad for Bears fans like my nephew. This team still looks like the same disaster it was last year.

 

[calcinorjones]

Yeah I’m done trying to analyze this organization. I never would have thought the defense under Allen would be this bad. Collapse at home last week vs a rookie blowing a lead in the second half than absolutely nuked in Detroit. That defense gave up in the second half. Johnson might have lost this team already.

 

[Da Guru]

Ben Johnson obviously knows offense, but I am not sure he is a leader of men. In both games so far, he has spent most of that time looking like he was just told he has Stage 4 cancer. Not saying he has to be all rah rah when things aren't going right, but he strikes me as the opposite of a players coach. The fact that he referred to Goff, a player he worked closely with for years, after the game as "the quarterback with them" tells me that he has the personality of drying paint. I feel bad for Bears fans like my nephew. This team still looks like the same disaster it was last year.

This is the same way Ben acted the whole time when he was with the Lions. Actually, never heard him speak his whole time in Detroit until his presser when he was hired. Even during big wins he showed very little emotion on sideline. Just not his personality.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Ben Johnson obviously knows offense, but I am not sure he is a leader of men. In both games so far, he has spent most of that time looking like he was just told he has Stage 4 cancer. Not saying he has to be all rah rah when things aren't going right, but he strikes me as the opposite of a players coach. The fact that he referred to Goff, a player he worked closely with for years, after the game as "the quarterback with them" tells me that he has the personality of drying paint. I feel bad for Bears fans like my nephew. This team still looks like the same disaster it was last year.

This is the same way Ben acted the whole time when he was with the Lions. Actually, never heard him speak his whole time in Detroit until his presser when he was hired. Even during big wins he showed very little emotion on sideline. Just not his personality.

True, but I suspect that is far easier to get away with as a coordinator, vs when you are a head coach. Not that every head coach has to be warm and fuzzy (see: the Hoodie), but Johnson just strikes me as a guy whose players will quickly grow to hate if things don't go right.

 

[Max Power]

Ben Johnson obviously knows offense, but I am not sure he is a leader of men. In both games so far, he has spent most of that time looking like he was just told he has Stage 4 cancer. Not saying he has to be all rah rah when things aren't going right, but he strikes me as the opposite of a players coach. The fact that he referred to Goff, a player he worked closely with for years, after the game as "the quarterback with them" tells me that he has the personality of drying paint. I feel bad for Bears fans like my nephew. This team still looks like the same disaster it was last year.

This is the same way Ben acted the whole time when he was with the Lions. Actually, never heard him speak his whole time in Detroit until his presser when he was hired. Even during big wins he showed very little emotion on sideline. Just not his personality.

True, but I suspect that is far easier to get away with as a coordinator, vs when you are a head coach. Not that every head coach has to be warm and fuzzy (see: the Hoodie), but Johnson just strikes me as a guy whose players will quickly grow to hate if things don't go right.

No sympathy for this group of players. They liked Flus until he failed to hold anyone accountable. The L's piled up.

Ben is rumored to be on the opposite side of the spectrum for accountability and L's are still happening. If players turn on the coach again, they need to start looking internally.

I think the Bears lack Leaders outside of Kmet.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

I kinda feel like the Saudi Minister of Information here, but lets take a chill pill. The team is two games into a season that was always going to be a rocky transition from the hands-off Flus era. The MIN game was supposed to be a toss up (it was) and the DET game was supposed to be a loss (it was). The path to 7 wins is still available and I'm seeing improvement in the QB situation by the week. I am peeved at Poles at the moment given the lack of participation by our 1st and 2nd rounders, however.

 

[Max Power]

I kinda feel like the Saudi Minister of Information here, but lets take a chill pill. The team is two games into a season that was always going to be a rocky transition from the hands-off Flus era. The MIN game was supposed to be a toss up (it was) and the DET game was supposed to be a loss (it was). The path to 7 wins is still available and I'm seeing improvement in the QB situation by the week. I am peeved at Poles at the moment given the lack of participation by our 1st and 2nd rounders, however.

I'm not nearly as optimistic as you. I thought the Vikes was a W on the pre-season checklist. A basically rookie in his first start on the road without Addison. Bears just totally blew that one... The Vikes aren't a good team right now. The Falcons just had 6 sacks and made McCarthy look unready for the NFL.

Lions game showed they aren't even the same tier as good teams. No QB pressure, couldn't stop the run, couldn't cover ANYONE. Those WRs were so open it was insulting. I'm frustrated for sure.

Bears have the worst D in the league right now. I know injuries hit, but yikes... Bears have given up the most points in the NFL. 13 more than the next closest team and have the worst point differential.

Its frustrating how bad they've been.

 

[Da Guru]

Ben Johnson obviously knows offense, but I am not sure he is a leader of men. In both games so far, he has spent most of that time looking like he was just told he has Stage 4 cancer. Not saying he has to be all rah rah when things aren't going right, but he strikes me as the opposite of a players coach. The fact that he referred to Goff, a player he worked closely with for years, after the game as "the quarterback with them" tells me that he has the personality of drying paint. I feel bad for Bears fans like my nephew. This team still looks like the same disaster it was last year.

This is the same way Ben acted the whole time when he was with the Lions. Actually, never heard him speak his whole time in Detroit until his presser when he was hired. Even during big wins he showed very little emotion on sideline. Just not his personality.

True, but I suspect that is far easier to get away with as a coordinator, vs when you are a head coach. Not that every head coach has to be warm and fuzzy (see: the Hoodie), but Johnson just strikes me as a guy whose players will quickly grow to hate if things don't go right.

No sympathy for this group of players. They liked Flus until he failed to hold anyone accountable. The L's piled up.

Ben is rumored to be on the opposite side of the spectrum for accountability and L's are still happening. If players turn on the coach again, they need to start looking internally.

I think the Bears lack Leaders outside of Kmet.

Sounds like the Lions were the 50 years before DC.

 

[rschroeder1]

I'm done giving Poles the benefit of the doubt any longer. I kept justifying the little things I didn't agree with because I thought there was a vision/plan.

Passing on a RB for players who don't play is inexcusable. Can't run a play action offense when you can't run the ball. This is simple football ****.

There's a lot of reasons to criticize Poles, but it's mind-boggling that a 5-win team - and a team averaging 5 wins a year for all of Poles' tenure - spent its first four picks on...luxuries/developmental players?

Someone posted on Reddit to be patient with Johnson and Poles as they see this as the start of a rebuild. While there could be a kernel of truth to it, are they rebuilding the rebuild?

If Poles' contract was extended to match Ben Johnson, i.e. another four years after this season, the Bears are in serious trouble unless they are willing to bite the bullet and can Poles with significant money left to pay.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I'm done giving Poles the benefit of the doubt any longer. I kept justifying the little things I didn't agree with because I thought there was a vision/plan.

Passing on a RB for players who don't play is inexcusable. Can't run a play action offense when you can't run the ball. This is simple football ****.

There's a lot of reasons to criticize Poles, but it's mind-boggling that a 5-win team - and a team averaging 5 wins a year for all of Poles' tenure - spent its first four picks on...luxuries/developmental players?

Someone posted on Reddit to be patient with Johnson and Poles as they see this as the start of a rebuild. While there could be a kernel of truth to it, are they rebuilding the rebuild?

If Poles' contract was extended to match Ben Johnson, i.e. another four years after this season, the Bears are in serious trouble unless they are willing to bite the bullet and can Poles with significant money left to pay.

I said at the time that I hated the Loveland pick and was less than thrilled with the Burden pick. The team has so many holes neither one made sense.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

I'm done giving Poles the benefit of the doubt any longer. I kept justifying the little things I didn't agree with because I thought there was a vision/plan.

Passing on a RB for players who don't play is inexcusable. Can't run a play action offense when you can't run the ball. This is simple football ****.

There's a lot of reasons to criticize Poles, but it's mind-boggling that a 5-win team - and a team averaging 5 wins a year for all of Poles' tenure - spent its first four picks on...luxuries/developmental players?

Someone posted on Reddit to be patient with Johnson and Poles as they see this as the start of a rebuild. While there could be a kernel of truth to it, are they rebuilding the rebuild?

If Poles' contract was extended to match Ben Johnson, i.e. another four years after this season, the Bears are in serious trouble unless they are willing to bite the bullet and can Poles with significant money left to pay.

I think "rebuild of the rebuild" is pretty accurate. Poles was drafting a team built for Flus' ideals until 2025. I'd expect there to be a bit of turnover after this year with some new faces coming in to fit Johnson and Dennis Allen's schemes.

 

[zeeshan2]

[Schultz] Bears All-Pro CB Jaylon Johnson is likely to miss the rest of the regular season with a groin injury that will require surgery

 

[travdogg]

[Schultz] Bears All-Pro CB Jaylon Johnson is likely to miss the rest of the regular season with a groin injury that will require surgery

This went from maybe the best secondary in the league to maybe the worst real quick. Johnson done for the year, who knows when Gordon will be back, and Byard looks like he aged 10 years this offseason.

Defense isn't Miami bad (Bears at least got torched by an elite offense) but its already feeling like its gonna be point chasing going forward. I guess that's good for people with Caleb in fantasy, or Odunze/DJ.

 

[Max Power]

[Schultz] Bears All-Pro CB Jaylon Johnson is likely to miss the rest of the regular season with a groin injury that will require surgery

welp... there goes any playoff shot

 

[Max Power]

[Schultz] Bears All-Pro CB Jaylon Johnson is likely to miss the rest of the regular season with a groin injury that will require surgery

This went from maybe the best secondary in the league to maybe the worst real quick. Johnson done for the year, who knows when Gordon will be back, and Byard looks like he aged 10 years this offseason.

Defense isn't Miami bad (Bears at least got torched by an elite offense) but its already feeling like its gonna be point chasing going forward. I guess that's good for people with Caleb in fantasy, or Odunze/DJ.

Yep already down Terrell Smith and unlikely Brisker plays all 17.

 

[Max Power]

The 52 points given up by Chicago's defense was its most allowed since the 2014 season. The Lions averaged 8.8 yards per play in the Bears' second loss of the season, which was their highest rate allowed in a game since 1961.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

We look like the same exact team as last season. Amazing

We took a FREAKING TIGHT END with the 10th pick in the draft!!! With all our glaring needs!!!

 

[Statorama]

Looking forward to that 10/19 Showdown between the Bears and the Saints! I should be able to get tickets.

Looking at the schedule the rest of the way....

W's - at Raiders, Saints, at No-Burrow Bengals, Giants, Steelers?, Browns
Long shot maybes - at Washington, Dallas, at Vikings
L's - Ravens, Eagles, Packers X 2, Niners, Lions again - doesn't matter where the game is played

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

Looking forward to that 10/19 Showdown between the Bears and the Saints! I should be able to get tickets.

Looking at the schedule the rest of the way....

W's - at Raiders, Saints, at No-Burrow Bengals, Giants, Steelers?, Browns
Long shot maybes - at Washington, Dallas, at Vikings
L's - Ravens, Eagles, Packers X 2, Niners, Lions again - doesn't matter where the game is played

I think Dallas, Washington, and Minnesota are all winable. Easy wins? No. But I do think the offense will start clicking with more reps and we'll be able to outscore those 3 teams.

 

[calcinorjones]

There are no easy wins this year. Saints,Giants, and Raiders look like they can score. The tape is now out on how to destroy that defense and with the massive blow to the secondary its looking bad. Tried to embrace this year’s picks but in the end this looks like a 3-5 win team. Multiple years top draft picks and this is the result? They will get a couple home wins and maybe a road win but this thing is a mess. Something has to change fast like a huge adjustment starting with a win vs Dallas. Pixie dust!

 

[Joe Bryant]

It's a difficult job.

 

[calcinorjones]

It's a difficult job.

That about sums it up!

 

[Max Power]

It's going to hurt extra losing to an Eberflus coached Defense this week

 

[Deranged Hermit]

It's going to hurt extra losing to an Eberflus coached Defense this week

They'll score a lot this weekend, but so will Dallas. I get a bad feeling CeeDee and Pickens are going to have a Nabers/WanDale type week . If i had any Cowboys skill players on my teams, they'd be playing this week.

 

[Max Power]

It's going to hurt extra losing to an Eberflus coached Defense this week

They'll score a lot this weekend, but so will Dallas. I get a bad feeling CeeDee and Pickens are going to have a Nabers/WanDale type week . If i had any Cowboys skill players on my teams, they'd be playing this week.

I'd bet the over on CeeDee's yardage all day. I have no faith in the Bears Defense right now. They need to show me something.

I worry that Flus has some knowledge of the Bears offensive players strengths and weaknesses and can gameplan for them. He isn't a bad DC.

 

[Max Power]

I had forgotten what it feels like to wake up on a Monday and not be angry. Bears should keep doing this.

 

[ZWK]

Kyler Gordon is the Bears' 6th big signing this offseason, all for between $13M-$18M/yr. By APY:

$17.5M/yr G Jonah Jackson, Trade+Extension, 3 yr $52.5M
$16M/yr G Joe Thuney, Trade, 1 yr $16M
$16M/yr DE Dayo Odeyingbo, FA, $3 yr $48M
$14.3M/yr DT Grady Jarrett, FA, 3 yr $42.8M
$14M/yr C Drew Dalman, FA, 3 yr $42M
$13.3M/yr SCB Kyler Gordon, Extension, 3 yr $40M

I basically like 3 of these moves for the Bears and basically don't like the other 3. What it comes down to is that I think that 3 of these guys are good players (Thuney, Dalman, Gordon) and the other 3 are averageish players (Jackson, Odeyingbo, Jarrett). Though the Thuney trade is borderline if they don't extend him, because $16M plus a 4th round pick is a lot to give for one season.

3 weeks in, none of these guys are doing great. Two of them are at least in the top half of players at their position by PFF grade, Thuney (36/76) and Dalman (11/36). Gordon hasn't played because of his hamstring and the other 3 are in the bottom half: Jackson (46/76), Odeyingbo (79/115), and Jarrett (81/120).

The weakest link among the Bears' starters by PFF grade is safety Kevin Byard (73/76), who played great in the first year of his 2-year deal at age 31 but maybe now has hit the wall at age 32. With Jaylon Johnson & Kyler Gordon out, we've gone from last year's situation where mediocre outside CB Tyrique Stevenson was the weakest link in the secondary to one where he's the second-best player in the secondary (after Brisker), without any improvement from Stevenson.

 

[3nOut]

The Bears should trade for Allgeier.

 

[calcinorjones]

The Bears should trade for Allgeier.

Might be an FA 2026

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Better to be lucky than good i guess.

 

[calcinorjones]

Wins are wins. 2-2 so onwards and upwards. Definitely going to suffer w that pathetic run defense.

 

[Max Power]

Kyler Gordon is the Bears' 6th big signing this offseason, all for between $13M-$18M/yr. By APY:

$17.5M/yr G Jonah Jackson, Trade+Extension, 3 yr $52.5M
$16M/yr G Joe Thuney, Trade, 1 yr $16M
$16M/yr DE Dayo Odeyingbo, FA, $3 yr $48M
$14.3M/yr DT Grady Jarrett, FA, 3 yr $42.8M
$14M/yr C Drew Dalman, FA, 3 yr $42M
$13.3M/yr SCB Kyler Gordon, Extension, 3 yr $40M

I basically like 3 of these moves for the Bears and basically don't like the other 3. What it comes down to is that I think that 3 of these guys are good players (Thuney, Dalman, Gordon) and the other 3 are averageish players (Jackson, Odeyingbo, Jarrett). Though the Thuney trade is borderline if they don't extend him, because $16M plus a 4th round pick is a lot to give for one season.

3 weeks in, none of these guys are doing great. Two of them are at least in the top half of players at their position by PFF grade, Thuney (36/76) and Dalman (11/36). Gordon hasn't played because of his hamstring and the other 3 are in the bottom half: Jackson (46/76), Odeyingbo (79/115), and Jarrett (81/120).

The weakest link among the Bears' starters by PFF grade is safety Kevin Byard (73/76), who played great in the first year of his 2-year deal at age 31 but maybe now has hit the wall at age 32. With Jaylon Johnson & Kyler Gordon out, we've gone from last year's situation where mediocre outside CB Tyrique Stevenson was the weakest link in the secondary to one where he's the second-best player in the secondary (after Brisker), without any improvement from Stevenson.

Byard earned his paycheck this week, but I think the Bears need to move on from him after the season. Also happy for Stevenson. He has played well the last two weeks.

 

[Max Power]

The Bears should trade for Allgeier.

Bears have to do something. At one point yesterday we had 10 rushes for -4 yards.

I've soured so much on Swift, I don't even like seeing him back there any more.

Roschon doesn't see the field and Monongai feels like a JAG.

 

[rschroeder1]

The Bears should trade for Allgeier.

Bears have to do something. At one point yesterday we had 10 rushes for -4 yards.

I've soured so much on Swift, I don't even like seeing him back there any more.

Roschon doesn't see the field and Monongai feels like a JAG.

In a limited sample, Monongai at least seems to fall forward after contact as opposed to crumpling to the ground immediately. Not a high bar to clear with Swift.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Been very quiet in here lately. What does everyone think about the Breece Hall rumors? I know DT and CB are bigger needs but, face it, everyone else needs those positions too so they will be tougher to fill.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

It's been quiet because we have a good bit less to complain about! I'm sure it will happen soon enough, though.

Doubt the Bears will trade for a RB this season. Maybe DE. I'd expect them to pick up one in the 3rd or 4th round next year. They seem to be plentiful.

 

[calcinorjones]

Yes not sure about Hall or a trade for any offensive piece. Defense is a different story. They have to do something about stopping the run or they will leave the icing off the cake for a season that is quite entertaining. Injuries to other teams are opening the door for potential wins but as they move into December the gaps will be exposed. I will have a bit of a whine about that TE pick over Warren. Big whiff thus far. We owe the Saints a drubbing but it could be closer than we think. Enjoy

 

[Chreesto]

I'm worried about this weekend against the Saints. They haven't been nearly as bad as their record would indicate and the Bears seem a little too satisfied with their progress lately, could be trap game. As far as trades, I would really only want to see them add a piece with some long-term potential and in a high-demand position. If they give up draft picks for Jeffery Simmons, yay. If they give up draft picks for Breece Hall, boo.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

U-G-L-Y.
But hey, a win is a win.

 

[Max Power]

U-G-L-Y.
But hey, a win is a win.

Its amazing to see a coach who can actually diagnose a problem and deliver a solution. Bears had the worst run game in the NFL going into the bye. Some adjustments are made and the run game has carried the team the last two weeks.

I have a lot of faith in Ben Johnson. 2025 wont be our year, but this Franchise has direction now and the future is promising.

 

[Chreesto]

U-G-L-Y.
But hey, a win is a win.

Its amazing to see a coach who can actually diagnose a problem and deliver a solution. Bears had the worst run game in the NFL going into the bye. Some adjustments are made and the run game has carried the team the last two weeks.

I have a lot of faith in Ben Johnson. 2025 wont be our year, but this Franchise has direction now and the future is promising.

100% agree. I cant remember a time when I had confidence in the entire Bears coaching staff. Probably have to go back to ditka and buddy ryan. I liked lovie, but wad never thrilled with the offensive coordinators. This entire staff seems legit. I am really impressed with the run game and the defense. I am hopeful that the passing game can develop.

 

[calcinorjones]

Its a fun start but I can’t help to think they passed on Warren and Scattman

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Its a fun start but I can’t help to think they passed on Warren and Scattman

The whole TE debacle annoyed me to no end. I could have lived with Warren but I didn't want either one. I'm a Wolverines fan and I was not a fan of getting Loveland. He can catch, but he can't block. I think even Warren would have been wasted here year one.
Skattebo was not one of the guys i was really interested in because I didn't think he could catch, but I loved the Hard nosed running style. They could sure use that now. If I remember correctly, they didn't have a 3rd, so the NYG would have gotten him anyway in the 4th.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Caleb was downright bad today. The gap between him and Maye keeps getting bigger. This may have been his worst this year and we still win so that's a great sign. He's been good for the most part. Not sure he can be great though. Hoping Ben can get him close.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Caleb was downright bad today. The gap between him and Maye keeps getting bigger. This may have been his worst this year and we still win so that's a great sign. He's been good for the most part. Not sure he can be great though. Hoping Ben can get him close.

On the upside, Daniels seems to be regressing down to Caleb's level.

 

[calcinorjones]

Am I seeing this correctly that Joe Thuney has not allowed a sack or committed a penalty over 250 plus snaps this year? The overall unit has been a pleasant surprise thus far only giving up 7 sacks and on pace to be well below last year’s dismal numbers