The Chicago Bears took the NFL by storm last season after winning the NFC North and winning their Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers.
All those years of the Packers talking about "owning" the Bears finally died down with Chicago winning two of their three matchups in 2025, and now winners of three of the last four matchups. It's finally time for the Bears to become the kings of the north, but one of their former players isn't helping with that.
While appearing on CHGO as part of the Super Bowl radio row, former Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long discussed how great the rivalry is between Matt LaFleur and Ben Johnson. The part that will get Bears fans is what he said after that, about the NFC North in 2026.
"The Packers, in my opinion, are still the team to beat in the NFC North next year. I know I'm a Bear and I love Caleb (Williams) and Ben Johnson, but we are still the underdogs. I want you to understand that."
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While Green Bay did have their injuries, more credit needs to be given to Chicago for the job they did in 2025. They had an NFL-record seven comebacks and game-winning drives to pick up those tough wins.
One big reason for their wins was the offense and how good they were in 2025. The Bears were ranked in the top five in total offense thanks to having one of the best running games in the NFL and Caleb Williams being clutch in the biggest moments.
As for the Packers, they collapsed at the end of the season and in the playoffs, even after leading by 18 points at halftime against the Bears. They were still injured then, so what's the excuse there?
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Bears fans will be disappointed with Long's answer because it shows a cloud of doubt hovering over Chicago after a great season. It's going to make the 2026 run that much more special when they once again prove the doubters wrong.