Chicago Bears fans all too well know how a good start can be deceiving when it's all about finishing the season strong.
The 2024 Bears season is a perfect example of that, as the team was off to a 4-2 start, and there was hope for the team. Chicago lost 10 of its last 11 games and finished the season 5-12.
With new head coach Ben Johnson, things are different: the Bears are off to a 7-3 start, first in the NFC North, and have won seven of their last eight games. While Johnson is happy with the start, he knows the job isn't done.
"We put ourselves in a good spot right now. But really, the season is just now starting as far as we’re concerned. ... I’m happy for where the guys have been able to situate themselves; 7-3, it's a good start. But we’re only going to remember how this thing ends, not how it started."
Bears have a tough road ahead to get into the postseason if they want it
The nightmare for Chicago is trying to close out the season strong, with seven games left. Six of those seven games feature teams with winning records:
- Week 12 vs. Steelers
- Week 13 at Eagles
- Week 14 at Packers
- Week 15 vs. Browns
- Week 16 vs. Packers
- Week 17 at 49ers
- Week 18 vs. Bears
Everyone has pointed it out, but the Bears have yet to beat a team with a winning record in 2025, so beating the Steelers in the upcoming contest is important. It's more about proving to the NFL they can beat the good teams when they need to.
This Bears team has been resilient throughout the season, though, as they have needed five game-winning drives led by quarterback Caleb Williams to finish the job and win games. Those are important to experience when playing some of the best teams in the NFL.
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Johnson has the right mindset for his team, but it's now all about showing it on the field and letting the play do the talking.