Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson didn’t mince words following the team’s Week 18 performance. Despite the game marking the end of the regular season, Johnson made it clear that what he saw from the offense simply wasn’t up to standard.
“We’ve got to be better,” Johnson said after the game, visibly frustrated by missed opportunities and inconsistent execution. For a unit that showed flashes of growth throughout the season, Week 18 served as an unwelcome reminder of how far the offense still has to go.
🏈 What Went Wrong
The Bears’ offense struggled to find rhythm from the opening drive. Sustaining drives proved difficult, timing was off in key moments, and mistakes stalled any chance of building momentum.
Among the biggest issues:
Poor execution on early downs
Missed reads and breakdowns in protection
A lack of consistency in the red zone
Johnson emphasized that these weren’t scheme problems — they were execution problems.
📉 A Step Back at the Wrong Time
Week 18 was an opportunity for the Bears to finish the season on a strong note and carry confidence into the offseason. Instead, the offense appeared disjointed, forcing the defense to shoulder more pressure than necessary.
Johnson acknowledged that the group didn’t respond the way he expected, especially given the importance of evaluating progress heading into the next season.
🧠 Message to the Locker Room
Johnson’s comments weren’t just about one game — they were a message. Accountability matters, regardless of standings or circumstances. The Bears’ offensive coordinator made it clear that offseason changes, internal competition, and higher expectations are coming.
“This league doesn’t wait on anyone,” Johnson hinted, reinforcing that jobs, roles, and trust must be earned.
🔮 Looking Ahead
With the season now over, Johnson and the Bears’ coaching staff will dive into film, evaluate personnel, and determine what needs to change for the offense to take the next step in 2026.
One thing is clear: performances like Week 18 won’t be acceptable moving forward.
Frustration Boils Over: Ben Johnson Sounds Off on Bears’ Ugly Week 18 Showing
