Full Breakdown
Bears Target Record-Breaking Offense as Caleb Williams Enters Third NFL Season
8/14/2026, 4:53:12 AM
Season-Long Goal: Surpassing the 2013 Broncos
Head coach Ben Johnson has publicly set a target for the 2026 Chicago Bears that exceeds the league’s traditional championship aim. He added that he also envisions “shutouts” and “blowouts,” positioning the goal as the team’s primary benchmark for the upcoming season.
Background & Context
Johnson was hired on January 21, 2025 after a successful stint as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, where his units ranked among the league’s most productive. In his first year in Chicago, the Bears improved from five wins in 2024 to an 11-6 record, captured the NFC North title, and won a playoff game—their first since the Jay Cutler era. Quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, posted a breakout 2025 campaign with 3,942 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, helping the Bears achieve seven fourth-quarter comebacks.
Data & Statistics
- 2025 passing production: 3,942 yards, 27 TDs, 58.1% completion.
- Team offensive ranking: 6th in total offense (369.2 yds/game) and 9th in scoring (25.9 pts/game).
- Yards after catch: 10th in the league with 1,874 yards (5.6 yds per completion).
- Historical benchmark: 2013 Denver Broncos scored 606 points in 16 games (37.9 pts/game).
Official Statements & Responses
Williams himself expressed a growth mindset, saying he “definitely want[s] to keep growing” and aims to improve his speed, communication, and overall process to help the offensive line and the team win.
On-the-Ground Reports
Training-camp observations highlight the evolving chemistry between Johnson and Williams. Bears insider Carmen Vitali described Williams’s leadership as “night and day” compared with his rookie year, noting his decisive huddle communication and confident body language. Center Garrett Bradbury recounted a competitive bowling-alley challenge, emphasizing Williams’s refusal to accept “no for an answer.” The Bears also focused on situational drills, with Williams delivering a clutch two-minute play that split two defenders for a touchdown in the final practice, underscoring his command in pressure moments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is night and day The decisiveness of Caleb Williams is palpable. The way that he just gets into the huddle and he communicates what he needs to,” — Carmen Vitali
- “He's not taking no for an answer,” — Garrett Bradbury
- “I definitely want to keep growing,” — Caleb Williams
- “You've got 31 other teams coming to training camp saying, 'Our goal is to win the Super Bowl.' I want more than that,” — Ben Johnson, of head coach
- “I want to have the highest-scoring offense ever, which happens to be the 2013 Denver Broncos,” — Ben Johnson, of head coach
What’s Next
The Bears will begin the 2026 regular season with Johnson’s scoring target as a central theme. Training-camp activities through early August 2026 (including the July 29 and August 5 sessions documented by SI) will continue to refine route timing, ball placement, and situational execution as the team seeks to translate its offensive improvements into record-breaking point totals.
