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Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Ben Johnson brags on what sparked Chicago Bears’ turnaround

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 5:56 PM ET

The Chicago Bears looked like anything but a playoff team during the first two games of the season.

The Bears fourth-quarter collapse against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 was more reminiscent of the Matt Eberlfus era than what fans had hoped would be coming to Chicago’s sideline when Ben Johnson was nabbed from the Detroit Lions in the offseason.

In Week 2, the Bears were humbled by the Lions in a 52-21 blowout loss at Ford Field. Not a great homecoming for Johnson.

The Bears would beat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3, and have won nine of their last 10 games to take the lead in the NFC North and the No. 1 seed in the NFC before getting set to play the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

During his news conference on Friday, Johnson made a surprise argument that the Bears’ 25-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4 was the cause of the team’s drastic turnaround into a contender in the NFC.

Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson believes the Raiders were the catalyst

“I think you really felt the belief starting to build then,” Johnson said the win in Las Vegas, via Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic. “Just that we’re close in a game at the end and we found a way to win instead of lose. That moniker has kind of stuck with us there the rest of the way.”

Bears head coach Ben Johnson on the impact of the W4 win in Vegas: "I think you really felt the belief starting to build then. Just that we’re close in a game at the end and we found a way to win instead of lose. That moniker has kind of stuck with us there the rest of the way."

— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) December 5, 2025

The Bears have been impressive since the bye

Raheem Mostert may be a cost friendly trade target for the Chicago Bears at running back 2 Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) runs the ball during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Johnson’s comments were surprising, given that the Raiders are just 2-10 before getting set to host the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Raiders have already fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly in a disappointing first-year for head coach Pete Carroll.

The Bears have gone onto win some important and close games after going into the bye following the win over the Raiders. Wins over the Washington Commanders, (a miracle against) Cincinnati Bengals, probably don’t come without belief.

Chicago took the next step when they outplayed the Philadelphia Eagles in a 24-15 win on Friday. Now the Bears look to complete their overhaul with a high-stakes matchup against the Packers.

Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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

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