- May 21, 2026
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A year ago, Bears coach Ben Johnson didn't think his team was practicing like a team that wants to win the Super Bowl. He no longer thinks that.
Johnson said on Friday that one of his reasons for optimism heading into the season is that he sees better practice habits from his players than he was seeing heading into the 2025 season.
"Here's what I'm excited about: How hard they're working on a regular basis right now," Johnson said. "I think I made a comment last year about how we're not practicing at a championship level yet. I'm not saying that this year. These guys, the work they're putting in throughout the week, it doesn't guarantee you a win on Sunday, but it gives you a darn chance. So I'm happy about what I'm seeing from all of those guys, and as a result from that they all get better."
Johnson's comments about last year's team came after an 0-2 start, when he said, “Our practice habits are yet to reflect a championship-caliber team." After that, the Bears won nine of their next 10 games and ended the season with an 11-6 record and an NFC North title.
This year, Johnson's goals for his team are even higher than just winning the division. He thinks his team is practicing like a team that can go all the way.
Johnson said on Friday that one of his reasons for optimism heading into the season is that he sees better practice habits from his players than he was seeing heading into the 2025 season.
"Here's what I'm excited about: How hard they're working on a regular basis right now," Johnson said. "I think I made a comment last year about how we're not practicing at a championship level yet. I'm not saying that this year. These guys, the work they're putting in throughout the week, it doesn't guarantee you a win on Sunday, but it gives you a darn chance. So I'm happy about what I'm seeing from all of those guys, and as a result from that they all get better."
Johnson's comments about last year's team came after an 0-2 start, when he said, “Our practice habits are yet to reflect a championship-caliber team." After that, the Bears won nine of their next 10 games and ended the season with an 11-6 record and an NFC North title.
This year, Johnson's goals for his team are even higher than just winning the division. He thinks his team is practicing like a team that can go all the way.