The Chicago Bears Training Camp Primer: Here We Go Again!

The 2025 Chicago Bears season was one of magic and wonder. Chicago rose from the basement of the NFC North not only to take the division but also to win a playoff game. Coming just one game short of the NFC Championship was quite a feat for the Bears.

Now, we will see what they can do in 2026. Will they continue their meteoric rise, or will they fall, as some expect, and return to what we’ve been used to over the last few seasons?

What about the Defense?

The Bears are headed towards what could be a magical season once again should they be able to put things together on defense. Right now, that’s the suspect group. No one is quite sure how they’ll perform on that side of the ball, as they didn’t do much to improve it this offseason, especially in the trenches. The pass rush promises not to be too effective unless they can get some depth and power in preseason through cast-off players. Perhaps a trade will be necessary to get this fixed, but if the Bears don’t do anything about this before the season, they will likely struggle there.

But overall, the ability of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will shine through. The Bears will be stronger on defense and will be able to overcome their issues rushing the passer. The secondary and the linebacking corps are very good. Barring any serious injury, they might have to make up for the lack of production on the defensive line. If they can, then the defense will be good, and they’ll win a lot of games.

The Offense Continues to Grow

Can you imagine quarterback Caleb Williams getting better? It’s going to happen, and when he does, the offense is going to soar. As long as he and his receivers stay healthy, the Bears should reach new heights this season. Thanks to Williams’ development and the prowess of their head coach, Ben Johnson, great things are going to happen.

Even though the team had a couple of shakeups on offense just before the end of the 2025 season and then immediately after (the patellar tendon injury to Ozzy Trapillo and center Drew Dalman’s sudden retirement), they should be ready to perform. The running game is returning the same two stud running backs. DeAndre Swift and Kyle Monangai will be back. It looks like the rushing attack is going to be a good one.

Combine that rushing attack with a superior passing game, and you have one of the best offensive units in the league.

Where Will they Go in 2026?

The Bears are poised to be one of the top teams in the NFL if their defense doesn’t stumble. With the Vikings having quarterback pains, the Lions perhaps still on a downswing, and the Packers possibly taking a step backwards this year, the Bears could, again, win the division and make the playoffs. Anything less than a trip to the playoffs will be considered a huge disappointment. This, especially after what they were able to do in 2025.
They can be better, and they must be better.

When the Bears do well, the rest of the NFL is much more fun to watch. Let’s hope that’s the case in 2026.