Every summer, Chicago Bears fans are used to finding reasons to be optimistic, but this year does feel a little bit different.
It feels less like fans are clinging to whatever they can find and more like there is a national appreciation and understanding of what the team is doing. According to PFF, they believe that the reason to be optimistic comes down to the new Bears head coach, Ben Johnson.
"Head coach Ben Johnson has rebuilt the Chicago Bears’ offense in his vision. The team’s revamped offensive line now includes Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman. They added additional weapons in Colston Loveland and Luther Burrden III via the draft. The onus is now on Caleb Williams to improve upon the 63.5 PFF passing grade from last season. If he does, Chicago could boast one of the league’s most dangerous offenses."
Chicago Bears fans deserve to be optimistic about Ben Johnson
The last time that a Bears head coach gave fans and media a reason to be optimistic was Matt Nagy. While that did not work out for the Bears or Nagy, it is worth remembering that one, Caleb Williams, may be better than Mitch Trubisky.
Furthermore, the Bears won 12 games and the division when Nagy was initially hired. Although it resulted in a one-and-done playoff outcome, it is true that the last time genuine optimism surrounded the coach, the team made the playoffs.
Beyond that, while Nagy brought a brief period of optimism, there is a real chance that Johnson will bring longer-term stability. It may help that Williams could be better than Trubisky, but it also helps that the roster is younger, with the cap in better standing than when Nagy took over. Even the PFF article mentions that Johnson is one of many exciting additions for fans.
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Lastly, there is a real chance that Johnson is simply better than Nagy. He has more play-calling experience, and his success came without Andy Reid overseeing things.
If Johnson can be what fans and many in the media assume he is, then the team is not only in excellent hands for the upcoming season, but there is reason for optimism for the foreseeable future. That is why Johnson is the correct answer over any other additions.