Ben Johnson Declares Critical Fix for Bears Offense in 2026

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The annual NFL owners meeting kicked off on Monday in Arizona. While these meetings serve as the chance for NFL organizations to propose rule changes, they also provide the media with one of their final chances to talk to coaches and general managers prior to the NFL Draft. Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson met with the media Monday Morning and made sure to call out one of the major flaws that the offense had in 2025.

Ben Johnson Knows the Bears WR's Must Improve Heading Into 2026

The Bears possessed an exciting and explosive offense for one of the first times in franchise history during the 2025 season. Yet, it still has many issues it needs to iron out if they are going to reach the success Johnson wants from them. One of the major problems that needs fixing is the drops from the wide receiver position.

According to the CHGO Bears X account, Johnson addressed this on Monday, saying, "I think coaching-wise we need to do a better job of getting the primary receiver open. I think our route detail has gotta improve. And our ball location. And simply catching the football has gotta improve there."

While Johnson acknowledged multiple contributing factors, the message was clear,finishing plays by catching the football is the top priority.

In 2025, Chicago's wide receiving unit ranked fifth in the NFL in drops with 29. Not only did these drops hinder the Bears ability to continue drives, but they also hurt their chances of scoring points. One of the most pivotal drops of the season came in the division playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams when Rome Odunze dropped a touchdown pass from Caleb Williams on the opening drive. That drive would go on to end in an interception, meaning Chicago missed out on the opportunity to take the lead early.

Kyle Monangai (6), Olamide Zaccheaus (5), Luther Burden (4), D'Andre Swift (4) led the team in drops last season. The two most surprising players on that list are Zaccheaus and Swift. Zaccheaus was brought in because he was meant to be a reliable veteran who could come in and make plays off the bench. That's the way things seemed to be trending during training camp last season, but it's not what played out during the year.

As for Swift, one of his biggest strengths is what he provides in the receiving game. So, seeing him with just as many drops as a rookie, who didn't play the first half of the season, is worrisome.

Although drops are the central concern, Johnson made it clear that fixing the issue will require a collective effort. Improved route detail, better ball placement, and stronger coaching all play a role in helping receivers consistently secure the football.

Still, the priority remains simple: the Bears must catch the ball at a higher level.

Entering his second season, Johnson has given little reason to doubt that these corrections will be made. If Chicago can clean up the drops, their offense has the potential to take a significant step forward in 2026.