Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson Criticizes Chicago Bears’ Practice Standards, Saying the Team Has Not Yet Shown the Discipline or Execution of a Championship-Caliber Squad…Read More…..

The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 season with renewed optimism, fueled by a promising draft class, a reshaped coaching staff, and growing expectations from a passionate fan base. Yet, according to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the team still has significant ground to cover before it can realistically contend for championships. Johnson, who was hired to inject fresh energy and structure into the Bears’ offense, offered a candid and pointed assessment of Chicago’s practice habits this week, noting that the squad’s daily approach has “yet to reflect a championship-caliber team.”

Speaking to reporters after a midweek practice at Halas Hall, Johnson emphasized that while progress has been made in some areas, he believes the Bears are not consistently executing at the level required of teams with championship aspirations. “It’s not about one or two great sessions,” Johnson explained. “It’s about building the discipline, the urgency, and the execution every single day. Right now, we’re not there yet. If we want to compete with the best, the habits we create Monday through Saturday have to reflect that.”

A Message Rooted in Standards

Johnson’s remarks carried extra weight because of his reputation around the league as a coach with a strong focus on preparation. Before arriving in Chicago, he helped design one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses as coordinator for the Detroit Lions. There, his schemes and attention to detail helped elevate quarterback Jared Goff and showcased young stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown.

In Chicago, Johnson faces a different challenge. The Bears’ offense has long been criticized for inconsistency, with struggles in both execution and identity. While the roster has improved—especially with a bolstered offensive line and new playmakers at receiver—Johnson made it clear that talent alone will not bridge the gap. “Championships aren’t won by paper rosters,” he said. “They’re earned through habits, preparation, and holding each other accountable.”

The Quarterback Connection

Much of Johnson’s responsibility centers on quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears’ highly anticipated rookie and former Heisman Trophy winner. Williams has shown flashes of brilliance during training camp and preseason, drawing praise for his arm talent and mobility. Still, Johnson’s comments suggest that consistency, particularly in practice tempo and situational awareness, remains a point of emphasis.

“He’s a gifted player, no question,” Johnson said of Williams. “But greatness comes from how you prepare, how you lead, and how you raise the standard for everyone around you. That’s what we’re trying to instill, and that’s where we’ve got more work to do.”

Players React to the Challenge

Johnson’s blunt words did not go unnoticed in the locker room. Several Bears players acknowledged that their coordinator’s assessment was fair and motivating. Veteran offensive lineman Teven Jenkins said, “Coach Johnson is right—we can’t just talk about wanting to be great. We’ve got to show it in every rep, in every drill. That’s how you build a championship team.”

Wide receiver DJ Moore echoed those sentiments, noting that Johnson’s critique was not meant to tear the team down but to raise its expectations. “We all know the history here,” Moore said. “Chicago fans want a winner. We want to give them that. But it starts with how we practice, and Coach is making sure we understand that.”

A Wake-Up Call Early in the Season

For a franchise that has not won a Super Bowl since 1985 and has only seen sporadic playoff success since, Johnson’s remarks serve as both a wake-up call and a challenge. The Bears find themselves in a pivotal moment, with a young core, a fresh coaching direction, and a fan base hungry for sustained success.

Head coach Matt Eberflus backed his offensive coordinator’s perspective, saying that accountability is a cornerstone of the culture they are trying to build. “You don’t grow by sugarcoating things,” Eberflus said. “We’re building a team that expects to win, but it requires us to be honest about where we are. Ben’s message was spot-on.”

Looking Ahead

The Bears’ schedule offers little room for sluggish preparation, with early matchups against perennial NFC contenders expected to test the team immediately. Johnson’s critique underscores the urgency of building championship-level habits now, not later in the season.

As Chicago continues its pursuit of becoming a consistent force in the NFC, Johnson’s message may ultimately prove to be a turning point. His assessment highlighted both the potential within the locker room and the gaps that must be addressed before the Bears can realistically challenge for titles.

For the players, the challenge is clear: prove their coordinator wrong by raising their daily standard. For fans, the comments provide a glimpse into the honest, demanding culture being cultivated at Halas Hall. And for the organization, the statement serves as a reminder that the road to a championship is paved not just on Sundays but in the unseen grind of practice fields throughout the week.

As Johnson summed it up: “If we want to be a championship team, we have to practice like one. That’s the bottom line.”