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The Chicago Bears are trying to defy history

Entering his sophomore campaign leading the franchise, head coach Ben Johnson aims to push the Chicago Bears past two decades without back-to-back winning records. Following a campaign that snapped a seven-year division title absence and concluded with an NFC Divisional Round defeat against the Los Angeles Rams, Johnson noted that his roster is now executing workouts at a title-caliber standard compared to their previous preparation.

Working alongside passer Caleb Williams, Johnson faces external skepticism rooted in the squad's tendency to rely on fourth-quarter comebacks. Nevertheless, Chicago prepares to kick off its 2026 schedule with an opening-week matchup hosting the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. Eastern time.