The One Ben Johnson Problem the Bears Can No Longer Ignore

Janik Eckardt writes that despite significant improvements under head coach Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears are struggling with a persistent inability to handle NFC North opponents. Following a 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Bears dropped to 2-6 in regular-season division games under Johnson, presenting a stark contrast to their 12-2 regular-season record against non-division opponents.

Eckardt points out that Chicago averages 30.5 points per game outside the division compared to just 16.6 against NFC North rivals. While injuries to starting quarterback Caleb Williams and difficult matchups provide context, the article argues that Chicago must correct this divisional trend before upcoming games against Detroit and Green Bay.