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Bears Enter 2026 Without Edge Rusher, Face Tough Schedule

7/10/2026

Summary

Bears Edge Drought

Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson began 2026 without an edge rusher while Sharp Analytics ranked the 2026 schedule sixth-toughest in league.
The Bears have made the playoffs every year since 2020, reaching the NFC divisional round before falling to the Los Angeles Rams.
Their defense ranked 22nd in passing yards allowed while cornerback Jaylon Johnson, a 2024 Pro Bowl selectee, played only seven games in 2025 because of an adductor injury.

Summary

Ben Johnson Leads

Ben Johnson leads the league in second-and-short (1-3 yard) pass attempts since 1999 among coaches with 70 games, per Clay Harbor.
Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet are Johnson’s primary short-yard targets, with Chicago drafting Sam Roush in 2026 to support its 13-personnel set.
The Bears’ line ranks five for pass- and run-block win rates, with personnel moves including Garrett Bradbury replacing Drew Dalman and Braxton Jones covering for injured Ozzy Trapilo.

Summary

Ben Johnson Transforms

Terron Armstead said Ben Johnson’s intense coaching rewired the Bears’ mindset, creating a clear team identity.
He praised the linemen for punctuality, hunger to learn and extra reps, and gave the same commendation to prospects Theo Benedet and Kiran Amegadjie.
Armstead called training with the five Chicago offensive linemen this summer a genuine joy, showing Johnson’s cultural overhaul is resonating at Halas Hall.

Summary

Ben Johnson Empowers

General manager Ryan Poles gave Ben Johnson the keys to his car, house, and garage code, showing personal trust.
Team chairman George McCaskey called Johnson the face of the franchise, stressing his influence on the club’s identity.
Fans said the 2025 season was the most fun they’d ever had, praising comeback victories and Johnson’s swagger.
The Bears’ dramatic run boosted business for Chicagoland cardiology practices, doctors reported.

History

Historical Context

In 1985, Mike Ditka’s Chicago Bears posted a 15-1 regular season, allowed only 198 points (12.4 per game), and won Super Bowl XX 46-10, establishing a defensive benchmark. That model resurfaces as 2026 Bears head coach Ben Johnson confronts a schedule ranked sixth-toughest by Sharp Analytics, hoping a similar culture can revive playoff success.

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Bears Edge Drought

Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson began 2026 without an edge rusher while Sharp Analytics ranked the 2026 schedule sixth-toughest in league.
The Bears have made the playoffs every year since 2020, reaching the NFC divisional round before falling to the Los Angeles Rams.
Their defense ranked 22nd in passing yards allowed while cornerback Jaylon Johnson, a 2024 Pro Bowl selectee, played only seven games in 2025 because of an adductor injury.

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