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Bears Looking to Turn Offseason Work Into Results in Week 1

Following an NFC North crown that snapped a seven-season dry spell and concluded with an NFC Divisional Round defeat against the Los Angeles Rams, the Chicago Bears are primed to kick off their 2026 campaign. Head coach Ben Johnson, now embarking on his second season guiding Chicago, noted from Halas Hall that his roster's training habits have reached a championship standard compared to struggles seen twelve months prior.

Quarterback Caleb Williams enters his second year operating within Johnson's offensive system displaying enhanced scheme familiarity, while veteran cornerback Jaylon Johnson credited an unusual dialogue with the head coach for fueling his personal drive.

The Week 1 road contest against the Carolina Panthers also marks a homecoming for the 40-year-old Bears coach. Raised in Asheville, Johnson attended the University of North Carolina as a walk-on signal-caller, where he completed degrees in computer science and mathematics.

Chicago aims to translate that preparation into immediate success as Johnson leads his squad back onto his home turf to begin the schedule.