Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson: Passing surge, Simmons’ impact
Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson on Nov. 4, 2026, summarized five key takeaways from a Wednesday media session at Halas Hall ahead of a walk-through before Sunday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He outlined recent offensive improvements, the immediate impact of a new defensive addition, lingering run-game inconsistency and injury setbacks on the line. Johnson delivered his remarks as the team prepared for its next game and emphasized both progress and areas needing attention.
Johnson credited quarterback Caleb Williams with driving a cleaner, more efficient passing attack in recent weeks. Since returning from a hamstring injury, Williams has completed 73.8 percent of his passes for 860 yards with four touchdowns, no interceptions and a 111.3 passer rating while leading the Bears to three straight wins. Johnson noted the ball has been distributed more evenly to targets such as Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland and Rome Odunze. He said Williams’ decisiveness and preparation have helped him play faster and with greater confidence.
The running game remains a top priority for the coaching staff despite the Bears ranking second in the NFL with 150.8 rushing yards per game. Johnson said the ground attack has been inconsistent, averaging 196.2 yards in the first four games and 105.3 yards over the last four contests, with first-half rushing less effective than second-half rushing. He praised the offensive line and tight ends for their blocking and said getting a reserve player back would provide a needed boost. Johnson emphasized the staff will continue to focus on sustaining the run.
Johnson discussed the addition of All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who was acquired last week in a trade with the Tennessee Titans and made his Bears debut Monday in Seattle. Simmons registered six tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and one pass breakup in the game, and Johnson said the veteran elevated energy on the sideline and on the field. The coach also confirmed roster setbacks on the line, saying defensive tackle Kentavius Street was placed on injured reserve and that left tackle Braxton Jones underwent surgery to repair a knee injury sustained in Week 3. Johnson described those absences as likely to keep both linemen out for the remainder of the season.
Johnson also praised running back D’Andre Swift after Swift matched a career high with three touchdowns against the Seahawks. Swift’s scores moved him into the NFL lead with 10 rushing touchdowns and made him the first Bears player with 10 rushing TDs in the first eight games of a season since 1956; he also became the franchise’s first rusher with three TDs in one half since Hall of Famer Walter Payton in 1977. Johnson credited Swift’s vision and the offensive line for improved goal-to-go success, noting the team has scored touchdowns on seven of eight goal-to-go attempts in the last three games. He said finishing drives around the football remains an emphasis for the offense.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Bears appear to be trending positively through the air as Caleb Williams’ efficiency and distribution have coincided with a three-game winning streak and higher scoring outputs. Jeffery Simmons provided an immediate boost to the defensive front in his debut and appears to be a player opponents must account for. The likely absences of Kentavius Street and Braxton Jones for the remainder of the season create depth questions along the line that the staff must address. The running game’s recent inconsistency remains a clear point of emphasis, while D’Andre Swift’s touchdown production has been a historically significant bright spot for the franchise.