The Chicago Bears kicked off their season with a loss on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings. While they appeared to look better than last year, some of the same issues were still apparent. Contributors Carolina Martinez and Micah Gatewood debated whether the team will bounce back and make the playoffs this season.
Yes
By Carolina Martinez
Now that football in the Windy City has commenced, loyal Bears fans all around the nation will root for their team to make the playoffs. In the 2025-26 season, Ben Johnson will help take them there. This is Johnson’s first season with the Bears, and he is serving as head coach. Before being with the Bears, he was a successful offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions. They struggled in the past with game management, but I believe that with Johnson’s background, “da Bears” will have a new edge and new results in this regular season.
Another factor increasing the likelihood of Chicago’s team advancing to the playoffs is quarterback Caleb Williams and what he brings to the field. His development during summer training camp has drawn people’s attention, and the offense will work around him. Not only has Williams been in the spotlight, but Rome Odunze, a second-year wide receiver, has been the primary target when working with Williams to build their chemistry.
We should see the Bears bounce back after they dropped their first game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.
No
By Micah Gatewood
The Bears would need God on their side to be in the top ranks of the NFL. Last year, the Bears were ranked the 24th-best team with a 5-12 record. On the other hand, their rival Detroit Lions stood tall alongside the Mahomes and now Kelce-Swift Chiefs with the first seed in the league with a 15-2 record.
Sure, the Bears have a great young quarterback in Caleb Williams, and they have Ben Johnson, who’s a solid rookie head coach coming in. My question, though, is how will they compete against teams like the Buccaneers, Packers, Eagles, Lions and Vikings? Caleb Williams needs more time in the lab because, between the lines, he won’t be able to compete with the best of the league right now.
“Da Bears?” more like “da bums,” because it’s going to be another long and dreary losing season for the team. I hope the players have more enthusiasm than their fanbase because if not, there will be a lot of empty seats in Soldier Field within five games.
