Ben Johnson Rejects 'Regression Candidate' Label After 127 Explosive Plays

Coach Ben Johnson addressed the Chicago Bears being labeled the No. 1 regression candidate following a season with an NFL-record seven late-game comeback wins.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson confirmed on Friday that his team has been identified as the "No. 1 regression candidate" heading into the upcoming NFL season. This label follows a breakthrough 2025 campaign where Chicago’s offense produced 127 explosive plays, the second-highest total in the league. Despite this production, external skepticism stems from an NFL-record seven victories earned after trailing within the final two minutes of regulation, including a postseason triumph over the Green Bay Packers.

Quarterback Caleb Williams enters the new year as a top 10 player at his position according to an ESPN poll of scouts, executives, and coaches. Williams, who is the featured cover athlete for "Madden NFL 27," is expected to manage the increased media scrutiny that Johnson noted has surrounded the franchise. The Bears coach dismissed concerns that opposing teams would decipher his offensive schemes during his second year at the helm, stating the roster possesses ample internal motivation to maintain their status as NFC contenders.

Jaguars Coach Liam Coen Questions Media Disparity

The narrative surrounding Chicago’s perceived decline was partially fueled by comments from Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen. During an interview with Jacksonville radio station 1010XL, Coen pointed out that his team achieved 13 wins last season yet failed to garner the same level of attention as Williams and the Bears. Coen claimed he could scroll through the NFL Network website and see 40 images of the Chicago quarterback without seeing a single player from the Jaguars roster.

Coen described the lack of national recognition as "beautiful," suggesting the perceived disrespect serves as a natural fire for his locker room. He argued that he does not have to fabricate storylines to motivate his players because the lack of hype is presented to them daily. The Jaguars coach expressed confusion regarding why a 13-win team remains overlooked in favor of a Chicago program that many analysts expect to take a step backward.

Defensive Mindset and the 'Hunter' Philosophy

Inside the Chicago locker room, veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett rejected the idea that the Bears are now the "hunted" team in the NFC. Jarrett emphasized that the roster maintains a "hunter" mindset regardless of their previous success or playoff positioning. He stated that the team’s focus remains strictly on their internal process rather than external evaluations or the performance of other franchises.

Johnson echoed this sentiment, noting that the team discussed Williams' ability to handle significant attention in the past. The coach indicated that the quarterback's experience with high-profile environments makes the current media circus a non-issue for the locker room's stability. While critics point to the statistical anomaly of seven late-game comeback wins as a sign of impending regression, the coaching staff views the experience as a foundation for the upcoming schedule.

Statistical Context of the 2025 Breakthrough

The Bears' rise to contention was defined by high-variance outcomes and elite offensive output. The 127 explosive plays served as the engine for an offense that placed Williams among the league's elite tier. However, the reliance on trailing in the final 120 seconds of regulation to secure wins has become the primary data point for those predicting a downturn. Johnson remains undeterred by these metrics, focusing instead on the team's evolution in his second season.

Courtney Cronin, who has covered the team since 2022 following a stint with the Minnesota Vikings, reported these developments from the team's facility. As the Bears prepare for the new cycle, the tension between their explosive statistical profile and the record-breaking nature of their close-game victories continues to define the national conversation surrounding the franchise's trajectory.