Bad omen for Chicago Bears in 2026 emerges

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Bad omen for Chicago Bears in 2026 emerges

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 27, 2026 7:21 PM ET

The Chicago Bears took a big step forward in the 2025 season. First-year head coach Ben Johnson and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams proved they are the long-term solutions for the franchise. They led the team to an NFC North crown with an 11-6 record and reached the Divisional Round for the first time since 2010.

The organization hired Johnson in January 2025 after he served four roles with the Detroit Lions in the past six seasons. Williams, on the other hand, proved his doubters wrong with a 58.1% completion rate, along with 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 17 games.

The Bears crave more achievements after a successful year. However, it won’t be easy as they face a brutal path after the schedule release. Replicating an 11-win season will be hard.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson talks with quarterback Caleb Williams (18) against the Dallas Cowboys.

Recent history doesn’t favor the Chicago Bears

CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles recently doused Chicago fans’ expectations of an even better season with cold water. He included team records from 11 years back to support his case.

“That type of jump is awesome, and anecdotally, it points to an arrow pointing up,” Pereles wrote. “Unfortunately in the NFL, progress like this is rarely linear, and a big jump one year, historically, has meant a relative fall the next year.

“In fact, only one of the seven teams to make that jump since 2015 improved their record again the following year.”

Only the 2017 Los Angeles Rams defied the odds, going 13-3 after an 11-5 campaign.

As for the Bears, they had one of their best campaigns in recent history in 2018. They went 12-4 that season. However, they followed it up with a disappointing 8-8 record in 2019.

Nevertheless, the NFL never fails to surprise fans with plot twists year in and year out.

Chicago has a chance to follow the Rams’ footsteps. The team has strengthened its defense with key additions in free agency and via the draft. It also boosted its O-line, giving Williams more talented blockers to protect him. While it’s going to be an uphill battle, the Bears shouldn’t be counted out.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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