Chicago Bears 'penalty tax' no longer just a myth

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Chicago Bears 'penalty tax' no longer just a myth

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 3, 2026 12:33 PM ET

Have you ever watched a Chicago Bears game and thought they were called for an inordinate amount of penalties? What about the inverse for their opponents, a lack of penalties? Turns out, you weren’t just seeing things.

During the 2025 season, Chicago’s opponents had a total of 678 penalty yards, fewest in the league, via Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis. In three of the last four years Bears opponents have had the fewest penalty yards called against them. The one outlier was 2024, where they still had the seventh-fewest.

“No team is close to the amount of net penalty yards to the detriment of their team like the Chicago Bears,” Sharp wrote.

Ultimately, the Bears must control what they can to win football games. Outside of clear, unforced errors, the refs are going to call what they see fit. Still, the numbers point to Chicago having to play with their hands tied behind their back.

Chicago Bears penalty tax numbers

Jun 11, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Over the last four years, the Bears have been awarded the fewest first downs by penalty. In turn, their opponents have the fourth-most. Chicago has seen roughing the passer called on their opponent seven times, fewest in the NFL. On the flip side, the Bears have been called for 17 roughing the passer penalties, second-most in the league.

Opponents have the fourth-lowest amount of offensive holding calls on them and second-lowest defensive pass interference flags. Their unnecessary roughness penalties are third-fewest in that span.

Entering the 2026 season, the Bears will look for their penalty luck to swing their way. They’re already facing an uphill battle trying too reclaim their NFC North crown. Yellow flags flying around, or in turn not being thrown, will only make that quest more difficult.

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

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