The Athletic Football Show has turned its attention to the Chicago Bears as it maps out the team’s prospects for the 2026 NFL season, delivering a detailed preview that blends statistical insight with on‑field storytelling.
Offensive Promise
Robert Mays, writing for the outlet, described the Bears’ offense as possessing a “monstrous ceiling,” noting a steady rise in EPA per play that began in Week 5 of the previous season and continued through the last four years under head coach Ben Johnson.
Johnson’s own record is impressive; his offenses have never fallen below sixth in EPA per play over the past four seasons, underscoring a consistent ability to generate efficient, high‑impact drives.
The young core of the Bears—Luther Burden, Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze and quarterback Caleb Williams—has been labeled as having “nuclear potential,” a phrase that captures the combination of speed, size and playmaking ability that could reshape the league’s offensive landscape.
Derrik Klassen expressed enthusiasm for Johnson’s evolving play‑calling, likening his style to that of Sean McVay, and highlighted the recent draft acquisition of Sam Roush as a further boost to the unit’s depth.
Defensive Concerns
Dave Helman, however, voiced significant doubt about the defense, pointing to Kyler Gordon’s physical limitations and Coby Bryant’s injury as factors that could hamper the unit’s ability to hold opponents in check.
If the Bears intend to compete seriously, they may need a reliable nickel corner, with Cam Lewis emerging as a candidate for the starting role, while a potential mid‑August signing of safety Xavier Woods remains contingent on his health.
Ultimately, the defensive uncertainty adds a layer of risk that could temper optimism about the team’s overall performance, even as the offensive arsenal appears poised to deliver fireworks.