BEN JOHNSON SAYS BEARS PRACTISING AT CHAMPIONSHIP LEVEL AHEAD OF 2026 SEASON

Ben Johnson, head coach of the Chicago Bears, stated on Friday that his team is practising at a championship standard as it prepares for the 2026 season. Johnson said he observed improved work habits from his players compared with the previous year. He remarked that the effort his team is putting in during the week "gives you a darn chance" of winning on Sundays, though he acknowledged it does not guarantee victory. Johnson indicated that his optimism for the upcoming campaign stems partly from these observations about training standards.

A year earlier, Johnson had made different comments about his team's preparation. After an 0-2 start to the 2025 season, he stated that "our practice habits are yet to reflect a championship-calibre team." Despite that earlier assessment, the Bears recovered to win nine of their next ten games and finished the 2025 season with an 11-6 record and the NFC North title. Johnson's expectations for this season go beyond division success. He stated that his team's current practice standards suggest they can "go all the way" and compete for a Super Bowl.

Johnson's latest comments have drawn attention on social media, with some observers questioning his assessment of the team's capabilities. His remarks represent a significant shift in his public evaluation of the Bears' preparation compared with a year earlier.