🚨 The Chicago Bears are 3-1, but there are still major questions Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles have to answer.

On today’s episode of Chicago Bears Central, Haize breaks down why Chicago’s red-zone offense has become one of the biggest concerns heading into the matchup with the Green Bay Packers, and why this could be the perfect game to finally get it corrected.

The Bears just produced 492 total yards, 34 first downs, 89 offensive plays and nearly 43 minutes of possession against the New York Jets.

The problem?

Chicago scored only 23 points and finished just 2-for-7 in the red zone.

Over the last three games, the Bears have scored touchdowns on only 4 of 15 red-zone trips, a 26.7% rate.

Now comes Green Bay.

👀 The Packers have allowed touchdowns on 85.7% of opponent red-zone trips, worst in the NFL.

So is this finally the week Ben Johnson gets Chicago’s offense finishing drives?

Haize discusses:

🏈 Why the Bears are moving the football but failing to finish

🔥 Whether Ben Johnson deserves more criticism

👀 How Colston Loveland, Luther Burden and Rome Odunze can help

🐻 What Tyson Bagent may be asked to do near the goal line

🚑 Kyle Monangai, D’Andre Swift and offensive line injury concerns

📊 Why Green Bay’s defensive weaknesses create a huge opportunity

Then the conversation shifts to the NFL trade deadline.

Could Khalil Mack return to Chicago? 👀

The Chargers are struggling, Mack has 3 sacks through four games, and Chicago continues to appear in conversations surrounding defensive trade targets.

But Mack isn’t the only name worth discussing.

Haize also looks at potential fits including:

🔥 Jeffery Simmons

🔥 Zach Sieler

🔥 Tuli Tuipulotu

🔥 Daron Payne

The Bears defense has already been excellent, allowing just 28 total points over the last three games while ranking among the NFL leaders in scoring defense and sack rate.

So should Ryan Poles actually spend draft capital on another defensive star?

Or should Chicago trust Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker and the young defense already producing?

Plus, Haize reacts to YOUR Chicago Bears Central voicemails and gets into the Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent and running back conversations heading into Packers week.

🐻 SUBSCRIBE to Chicago Bears Central for Bears news, rumors, reactions and analysis all season long!

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🐻🔥 Bears-Packers week just got a LOT more interesting.

The Chicago Bears opened the week with a concerning injury report. Caleb Williams, D’Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Darnell Wright were all listed as non-participants Wednesday. That doesn’t mean they’ll all miss Sunday, but it creates the first major test of the offensive depth Chicago has spent all season praising. Pasted text

The biggest concern may be the offensive line.

Thuney, Jackson and Wright have become central to Chicago’s physical identity, helping Ben Johnson build the NFL’s most productive rushing attack around downhill runs, pullers, cutback lanes and long possession drives. If multiple starters are limited at Lambeau, Chicago may have to lean heavily on Jordan McFadden, Luke Newman and Ozzy Trapilo. Pasted text

Swift and Monangai also sat Wednesday, which could alter the exact game plan Chicago expected to use against Green Bay. Roschon Johnson could suddenly matter more, while Ben Johnson may need to lean into misdirection, screens, quick passing concepts and more rotation in the backfield. Pasted text

But here’s the wild part:

The Bears are still FAVORITES at Lambeau.

Chicago is roughly a three-point favorite, marking the first time since September 10, 2006 that the Bears have entered Lambeau Field favored. Green Bay had been favored in every Bears trip there since. Pasted text

And Tyson Bagent is starting.

That makes the shift even crazier. Chicago has won three of the last four meetings after Green Bay previously dominated the rivalry, and another Bears win at Lambeau would make the “has this rivalry flipped?” conversation impossible to ignore. Pasted text

Finally, Ryan Poles has another roster decision coming.

Marcus Davenport’s retirement opened a spot on the 53-man roster while Kyler Gordon, Shemar Turner and Noah Sewell are all working through return windows. Gordon practiced fully Wednesday, Turner was limited and Sewell did not practice, making Gordon the most immediately game-ready option. Pasted text

Haize breaks down:

🔥 Chicago’s suddenly crowded injury report

🧱 Why Darnell Wright may be the hardest player to replace

🏃 What Swift and Monangai’s injuries could mean

🧠 How Ben Johnson can alter the offense if the line isn’t 100%

😳 Why Chicago being favored at Lambeau is HISTORIC

🐻 Whether Bears-Packers has actually started to flip

👀 Kyler Gordon’s potential return

💪 Why Shemar Turner could fill the bigger roster need

📋 How the 21-day activation windows complicate Ryan Poles’ decision

🧀 Why Sunday could change the psychology of Bears-Packers

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears are 3-1, Ben Johnson is suddenly one of the betting favorites for NFL Coach of the Year, Dillon Thieneman is entering the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation, and the Green Bay Packers are heading into Bears week without two massive defensive pieces.

Ben Johnson is currently tied with Klint Kubiak at around +600 for Coach of the Year, with Todd Monken close behind. That rise makes sense when you consider what Chicago has already survived through four games. The Bears have won starts from Caleb Williams, Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent, and Johnson has completely adjusted the offensive formula to fit each quarterback instead of forcing everyone into one rigid system. Pasted text

Against Philadelphia, Johnson trusted Keenum’s quick processing and passing rhythm. Against the Jets, Chicago ran the football 54 times for 232 yards, held possession for almost 43 minutes and ran 89 offensive plays. Different quarterbacks. Different defensive opponents. Different game plans. Same result. Pasted text

And Johnson’s résumé isn’t only about offense. Chicago’s defense allowed 28 total points over Weeks 2 through 4, while Dennis Allen’s unit has become one of the league’s more productive defenses after a rough opening week. Allen deserves the defensive credit, but hiring the right staff is part of being a head coach. Pasted text

Then there’s rookie safety Dillon Thieneman.

Through four games, Thieneman has recorded:

🏈 30 tackles

🛡️ 1 interception

👀 3 passes defended

🔥 At least six tackles in every game

Advanced tracking cited in the episode notes has him allowing only 4 completions on 12 targets for 50 yards, zero touchdowns and a 12.5 passer rating, while also recording no missed tackles in that sample. Pasted text

The challenge?

Safeties almost never win Defensive Rookie of the Year. The last safety to do it was Bears great Mark Carrier in 1990. Thieneman will likely need more interceptions, forced fumbles and splash plays to overcome the statistical advantage linebackers and edge rushers naturally have in award voting. Pasted text

And then comes Green Bay.

The Packers will face Chicago without linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who tore his Achilles and is out for the season, while Micah Parsons remains on PUP and is not expected back yet. Cooper had already produced 30 tackles and three sacks before the injury. Pasted text

That creates a fascinating matchup against Chicago’s physical running game.

Ben Johnson can force Green Bay’s replacement linebackers to process:

🔥 Luther Burden motion

🧩 Colston Loveland movement

💪 Pulling offensive linemen

🏃 Swift and Monangai downhill

🎭 Play action from identical looks

And while Parsons being unavailable removes one of the NFL’s most dangerous individual pass rushers from the equation, Chicago still has to deal with an aggressive Packers front, Lambeau noise and Green Bay’s ability to manufacture pressure through blitz packages. Pasted text

Haize breaks down:

🔥 Why Ben Johnson has a legitimate early Coach of the Year argument

👀 How winning with three different quarterbacks strengthens his case

🧠 Why Dennis Allen’s success also reflects on Johnson

🏆 What Johnson still needs to prove before anyone crowns him

⭐ Dillon Thieneman’s DROY case

🛡️ Why Thieneman may already be a defensive cornerstone

🧀 How Edgerrin Cooper’s absence changes Bears-Packers

🚨 Why Micah Parsons being unavailable matters for Chicago’s replacement left tackle

🏃 How Swift and Monangai can stress Green Bay’s linebackers

🎯 Why Tyson Bagent has to punish stacked boxes

🏟️ Whether Chicago can impose its physical identity at Lambeau

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears are 3-1 and suddenly producing numbers that look like a legitimate NFC contender. But are these Bears actually this good, or are we still dealing with an early-season sample?

Through four games, Chicago owns the NFL’s No. 1 total offense at 429.0 yards per game, the No. 1 rushing attack at 196.3 yards per game, and ranks ninth in scoring at 28.0 points per game.

And the defense?

Chicago is allowing only 282.3 yards per game, third-best in football, while surrendering just 16.3 points per game, fourth-best in the NFL.

That’s complete-team production.

But Haize digs deeper into whether the numbers are actually sustainable.

The offense has several reasons for optimism. Chicago has already won games with three different quarterbacks, leads the NFL in first downs, converts 47.4% of third downs, and isn’t dependent on one receiver or one explosive-play formula.

The major concern?

Red-zone efficiency.

Since going 4-for-4 in the red zone against Carolina, Chicago has scored touchdowns on only 4 of its last 15 red-zone possessions, just 26.7%.

Then comes Tyson Bagent’s biggest test yet.

Ben Johnson has confirmed Bagent will start at Lambeau while Caleb Williams continues recovering from his hamstring injury.

Against the Jets, the split was impossible to ignore:

✅ Clean pocket: 21-of-23, 202 yards

🚨 Under pressure: 4-of-11, 66 yards, 1 interception

Green Bay now has an obvious objective:

Make Tyson Bagent uncomfortable.

The Packers have 10 sacks through four games and blitzed on roughly 47% of dropbacks against Tampa Bay.

Can Ben Johnson protect Bagent with Chicago’s elite rushing attack, play action, screens, quick-game concepts and extra protection?

And defensively, Dennis Allen may have an even simpler challenge.

Green Bay enters Bears week with the NFL’s worst rushing attack:

🧀 232 total rushing yards

🧀 3.2 yards per carry

🧀 ZERO rushing touchdowns

Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift have EACH individually outrushed the entire Packers roster.

So should Chicago stop worrying about the run and make Jordan Love beat the Bears through the air for four quarters?

Haize breaks down:

🔥 Whether Chicago’s No. 1 offense is sustainable

🛡️ Why the defense may be better than the yards-per-play numbers suggest

🚨 Chicago’s red-zone problem

👀 The clear blueprint Green Bay has against Tyson Bagent

🧠 How Ben Johnson can protect his backup quarterback

🏃 Why Swift and Monangai are critical against Packers pressure

🧀 Green Bay’s historically bad rushing start

🎯 Whether Dennis Allen should dare Jordan Love to beat Chicago

🏟️ What a strong performance at Lambeau would say about the Bears

🐻 Whether it’s finally time to call Chicago a legitimate NFC contender

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears are 3-1, and Ben Johnson may have built something far nastier than just a modern passing offense. Chicago is becoming a team that can physically take the football away from you for entire stretches of a game.

Against the New York Jets, the Bears piled up 492 total yards, 232 rushing yards, 34 first downs, 89 offensive plays and 42:45 of possession while never punting once. Chicago’s 34 first downs were its most in a game since at least 1941, and the 42:45 time of possession was its highest in a non-overtime game since 1994. Then, after New York cut the lead to 23-12, Chicago took possession and burned the final 9:07 off the clock. Pasted text

And this rushing success is not just a one-game fluke.

Through four games, Kyle Monangai has 324 rushing yards and D’Andre Swift has 311, making them the first pair of teammates since 1976 to each top 300 rushing yards through their team’s first four games. Pasted text

But now comes Green Bay.

The Packers just lost one of their most important defenders. Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper suffered a non-contact Achilles injury against Tampa Bay, and Matt LaFleur expects him to miss the remainder of the season. Cooper had already recorded nine tackles, a sack and an interception before leaving the game. Pasted text

That matters because Chicago’s offense constantly forces linebackers to process motion, pullers, split-flow concepts, play action and moving tight ends. Cooper’s range made him particularly suited for those assignments. Now Green Bay is expected to turn to veteran Isaiah McDuffie alongside Zaire Franklin. Pasted text

And if Green Bay decides the answer is simply stacking the box?

Chicago may finally have the counterpunch.

Against New York, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland combined for 16 receptions and 214 yards with Tyson Bagent at quarterback. Rome finished with 94 yards, Burden had 63 and Loveland added 57. Pasted text

Haize breaks down:

🐻 Why Chicago’s rushing identity is becoming legitimate bully ball

🏃 How Swift and Monangai stress defenses differently

🧠 Why the run game may be the best possible environment for Caleb Williams

🔥 How Ben Johnson keeps winning with different offensive formulas

⚠️ Why 23 points on 492 yards still leaves room for improvement

👀 Whether Rome, Burden and Loveland have become Chicago’s young Big 3

🧀 Why Edgerrin Cooper’s injury changes the Packers matchup

💥 How Chicago can attack Green Bay’s replacement linebackers

🎯 What happens if the Packers sell out to stop the run

🏟️ Whether Chicago’s physical identity can travel to Lambeau

The bigger question:

If Green Bay takes away what Chicago does best, does this Bears offense finally have enough answers to punish them somewhere else?

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Did Dennis Allen finally unlock Dayo Odeyingbo, and could the Chicago Bears’ decision to bet on their own pass rush actually be paying off?

Through three games, Odeyingbo has already generated 11 pressures and two sacks, one more pressure than he produced across eight games last season. The biggest difference may be where Dennis Allen is using him. Dayo has already logged 48 interior snaps and 58 edge snaps, after spending the overwhelming majority of last season outside the tackle. Both of his 2026 sacks have come while rushing from the interior. Pasted text

That opens up a completely different Bears pass-rush structure.

Put Montez Sweat outside. Let Austin Booker handle legitimate edge snaps. Kick the 280-plus-pound Odeyingbo inside against guards. Suddenly Chicago can attack protections with different body types and rush styles instead of asking Dayo to live as a traditional defensive end. Pasted text

Booker is a huge part of why it works. His development allows Allen to move Odeyingbo around instead of keeping him glued to the edge, potentially improving Chicago’s edge depth and interior pressure at the same time. Pasted text

Then comes one of the strangest statistical matchups of Week 4.

The New York Jets enter Sunday ranked:

🔥 No. 2 in total defense — 258.3 yards allowed per game

🔒 No. 3 against the pass — 171 yards per game

🏃 No. 7 against the run — 87.3 yards per game

And somehow…

They have ZERO interceptions.

New York’s interception drought has reached 20 consecutive games, an NFL record. Pasted text

But the timing gets even more interesting because Minkah Fitzpatrick is expected back. Fitzpatrick owns 21 career interceptions and gives Aaron Glenn a proven ballhawk who can move around the secondary, disguise coverage and punish impatient quarterbacks. Pasted text

Meanwhile, Chicago has created six takeaways through three games, tied for third-most in the NFL. Pasted text

Haize breaks down:

🔥 Why Dayo Odeyingbo looks like a different player

🧠 How Dennis Allen changed his deployment

💪 Why Austin Booker’s growth makes Dayo more dangerous

👀 Whether Chicago still needs to trade for another pass rusher

🎯 How interior pressure could affect Geno Smith

🤯 How the Jets can rank No. 2 defensively with zero interceptions

🔒 Why Minkah Fitzpatrick’s return matters

🏈 Bears takeaways vs. Jets possession defense

⚡ How Ben Johnson should attack Aaron Glenn’s defense

📞 Plus listener voicemails and Bears fan reactions

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

#ChicagoBears #DayoOdeyingbo #AustinBooker #DennisAllen

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears are 2-1, national expectations are rising, and some major roster questions are already beginning to take shape.

First, Cole Kmet’s role has changed dramatically. Through three games, Colston Loveland has played 84.2% of Chicago’s offensive snaps, compared with 62% for Kmet, while Kmet has just two receptions for 35 yards and one touchdown and has gone without a catch in each of the last two games. That doesn’t mean Kmet has become a bad player — but it does raise a legitimate question about what his future looks like if Loveland has clearly become TE1. Pasted text

And the economics make the conversation even more interesting. Kmet’s restructured deal carries a cap hit of roughly $7.78 million in 2026, but that jumps to $15.425 million in 2027, the final year of his current contract. If Sam Roush continues developing into a cheaper blocking and multiple-tight-end option, Ryan Poles may eventually have a real decision to make. Pasted text Pasted text

Then there’s Darnell Wright.

Chicago gave Wright a massive four-year, $116 million extension with $93 million guaranteed, and early returns have been excellent. Through three games, Wright has played every offensive snap while independent charting credits him with zero sacks allowed, zero QB hits, three pressures allowed and zero penalties. Pasted text Pasted text

Finally, the national conversation around Chicago has shifted dramatically after the 27-7 win over Philadelphia without Caleb Williams. NFL.com moved the Bears up four spots to No. 12 in its Week 4 power rankings, while other rankings have pushed Chicago into the top 10 discussion. The question isn’t whether the Bears deserve more respect — it’s whether fans and media are moving too quickly from “interesting team” to “NFC contender.” Pasted text

Haize breaks down:

👀 Is Cole Kmet becoming a legitimate trade-deadline decision?

💰 What price would make Ryan Poles listen?

🔥 Why Colston Loveland has clearly become TE1

🧩 How Sam Roush changes Kmet’s long-term value

🧱 Why Darnell Wright may already be worth every penny

📈 Whether Wright is becoming one of Poles’ best draft successes

🐻 Why the NFL is suddenly taking Chicago more seriously

⚠️ What the Bears still need to prove before anyone calls them elite

✈️ Why the Jets game may be a bigger maturity test than people realize

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears are 2-1 and heading into a fascinating Week 4 matchup with the New York Jets — but this game may be decided as much by coaching and personnel usage as it is by talent.

First, Haize asks a question Bears fans are starting to ask louder:

Is Ben Johnson still underusing Luther Burden III?

Burden just posted his best game of the season against Philadelphia with seven catches, 61 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets, yet through three games he has played only about 63.8% of Chicago’s offensive snaps. Pasted text

The issue becomes especially interesting in heavier personnel packages. Burden played only 53.8% of Chicago’s 12-personnel snaps and 7.1% of 13-personnel snaps through the first two weeks, meaning Johnson’s love of multiple-tight-end formations may sometimes come at the expense of one of Chicago’s most dangerous players in space. Pasted text

And against Aaron Glenn’s pressure-heavy, disguise-based Jets defense, Burden could be exactly the type of answer Chicago needs: quick slants, screens, crossers, jet motion, shovel passes, RPOs and manufactured touches that let the quarterback get the ball out before New York’s pressure package can fully develop. Pasted text

Then comes one of the best coaching matchups of the season:

Ben Johnson vs. Aaron Glenn.

The two spent four years together in Detroit and know each other’s philosophies extremely well. Glenn understands Johnson’s use of motion, misdirection, formation variation and personnel manipulation — but Johnson also spent years learning how to attack Glenn’s pressure packages, coverage disguises and multiplicity. Pasted text

Finally, Haize debates Ben Johnson’s aggressive fourth-down philosophy. Chicago is 4-for-7 on fourth downs through three games, while the offense is converting touchdowns on 50% of its red-zone trips. That combination makes every “go for it or take the points?” decision more interesting. Pasted text

We’re breaking down:

🔥 Is Luther Burden being underused?

👀 Why 12 and 13 personnel could actually feature Burden MORE

♟️ Ben Johnson vs. Aaron Glenn’s years of shared history

🧠 Why Johnson may need to break his own tendencies

⚡ How Burden can punish Jets pressure

🚨 Whether Ben’s fourth-down aggression is an advantage or a liability

🎯 When Chicago should take the points

🐻 What this matchup could reveal about the Bears offense

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

#ChicagoBears #LutherBurden #BenJohnson #AaronGlenn #BearDown #BearsVsJets #CalebWilliams #NFL

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears are 2-1 after dominating the Philadelphia Eagles 27-7 on Monday Night Football — but the biggest story may be what Chicago learned while Caleb Williams was sidelined.

Case Keenum delivered an incredibly efficient performance in his first NFL start since December 2023, completing 24-of-34 passes for 247 yards, two passing touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 110.8 passer rating, while also adding a rushing touchdown. Pasted text

But Haize asks a bigger question:

Did Case Keenum just show Caleb Williams the next step in Ben Johnson’s offense?

Keenum went 14-of-20 for 145 yards and two touchdowns on throws released in under 2.5 seconds, while Caleb has consistently held the football longer. The lesson isn’t that Keenum is better than Caleb — it’s whether Williams can combine Keenum’s anticipation and processing with Caleb’s elite creativity and physical talent. Pasted text

Ben Johnson also deserves credit for adjusting. Chicago lined up under center on 58% of its offensive snaps, its highest rate since Week 14 of last season, and Johnson continued throwing even after Philadelphia shut down the first-half rushing attack. Pasted text

On defense, T.J. Edwards reminded everyone how valuable he can be. Chicago held Philadelphia to seven points, 248 total yards, 2-of-9 on third down and only 62 second-half yards while forcing three turnovers. Edwards recorded an interception and three pass breakups while helping Chicago completely change the game after halftime. Pasted text

And now the conversation shifts forward.

Chicago’s next four games:

🏈 Jets — Week 4

🧀 at Packers — Week 5

🔥 at Falcons — Week 6

🇺🇸 Patriots — Week 7 Pasted text

Can Chicago stack performances like Monday night? Can the defense sustain its improvement? Can the Bears remain competitive until Caleb returns?

Haize breaks down:

👀 What Caleb Williams can learn from Case Keenum

⚡ Why faster processing could unlock another level

🧠 How Ben Johnson adjusted his offense against Philadelphia

🛡️ Why T.J. Edwards was one of Chicago’s biggest defensive difference-makers

🔥 Whether Dennis Allen’s defense is becoming legitimate

📈 What the 27-7 win tells us about Chicago’s floor

🧀 Why the upcoming Packers game matters

🏆 What the next four games could reveal about the Bears’ season

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

THE CHICAGO BEARS JUST SHOCKED THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES ON MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!

Playing without Caleb Williams, Chicago turned to veteran quarterback Case Keenum — and the Bears responded with their most complete performance of the season, beating Philadelphia 27-7 at Soldier Field to improve to 2-1.

Keenum delivered exactly what Ben Johnson needed from his veteran QB3, completing 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, two passing touchdowns and ZERO interceptions, then adding a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown to put the game away.

And Chicago’s defense absolutely showed up.

The Bears forced three Philadelphia turnovers, held the Eagles to just 248 total yards, dominated time of possession 36:53 to 23:07, and held Jalen Hurts to 153 passing yards with no passing touchdowns and one interception.

The offense was balanced too. D’Andre Swift carried the ball 20 times for 84 yards, while Kalif Raymond continued his hot start with 6 catches for 90 yards and a 41-yard touchdown. Rookie Luther Burden III added 7 catches for 61 yards and a touchdown, giving Keenum two reliable weapons all night.

This was the formula Chicago needed without Caleb:

🏈 Case Keenum: 24/34, 247 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

🔥 Kalif Raymond: 6 catches, 90 yards, TD

👀 Luther Burden III: 7 catches, 61 yards, TD

🏃 D’Andre Swift: 20 carries, 84 yards

🛡️ Bears defense: 3 takeaways

🚫 Jalen Hurts: 153 passing yards, 0 passing TDs

⏱️ Chicago: nearly 37 minutes of possession

The Bears also committed just five penalties, compared with Philadelphia’s 10, and Chicago never turned the football over.

That’s exactly what we talked about all week:

Play ugly. Protect the football. Run the ball. Make Philly earn EVERYTHING.

Except by the end?

It wasn’t ugly at all.

It was a statement.

Join Haize LIVE on Chicago Bears Central for the full postgame reaction, breakdown and Bears fan discussion after Chicago’s massive Monday Night Football win.

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone:  ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears defense may be changing faster than anybody expected — and Monday Night Football against Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles is about to show us which changes are real.

Dennis Allen’s defense looked much better in Week 2 after allowing just nine points, but Jalen Hurts presents a completely different challenge than Bryce Young or Carson Wentz. Through two games, Hurts has thrown for 467 yards and five touchdowns while adding 62 rushing yards, forcing Chicago to balance pressure with rush-lane discipline.

The biggest question: Can the Bears pressure Hurts without creating escape lanes that turn broken plays into explosives?

Haize also breaks down two quiet depth-chart developments.

👀 Cam Lewis may have taken a starting safety job without anybody noticing. After playing 96% of the defensive snaps in Week 1, Lewis still played 79% against Minnesota even after Xavier Woods returned. His early coverage numbers have been strong, and his versatility could be exactly what Dennis Allen needs against a mobile quarterback like Hurts.

💪 James Lynch is also pushing Neville Gallimore for a bigger role. Lynch jumped from 22 snaps in Week 1 to 28 in Week 2, tied for the team lead with seven tackles against Minnesota and has provided dependable run defense. Meanwhile, Gallimore’s early production hasn’t matched expectations.

We’re breaking down:

🔥 Jalen Hurts vs. Dennis Allen

🧠 Whether Chicago should spy Hurts or trust disciplined rush lanes

🔒 Why man coverage gets dangerous against a mobile QB

👀 Cam Lewis’ surprising rise

😳 Whether Xavier Woods has already lost snaps

💪 James Lynch vs. Neville Gallimore

🏈 How Shemar Turner’s eventual return complicates the defensive-line rotation

🛡️ Whether Chicago’s Week 2 defensive improvement was actually sustainable

The Bears don’t need to completely shut Hurts down.

They need to prove this defense can be organized, disciplined and adaptable against a quarterback capable of beating you both inside and outside structure.

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears finally have more clarity on Caleb Williams’ hamstring injury — and the reported timeline is longer than many Bears fans hoped.

According to reports from Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, Williams suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury, with doctors believing the normal recovery window is approximately 3–4 weeks.

That means Caleb is expected to miss Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles and could potentially miss additional games against the:

🏈 New York Jets — Week 4

🧀 Green Bay Packers — Week 5

🔥 Atlanta Falcons — Week 6

Monday will mark the first game Williams has missed in his three-year NFL career after playing every game in both 2024 and 2025.

But Ben Johnson isn’t ready to put a hard return date on his quarterback.

Johnson described Caleb as “a little bit different than the average human being” and reiterated that Chicago is viewing the quarterback as week-to-week, with Williams expected to aggressively attack his rehab.

Now comes the biggest question:

Can the Bears survive without Caleb?

Tyson Bagent is expected to take over as the starter once available, but he still needs to fully clear concussion protocol. If Bagent isn’t cleared for Philadelphia, veteran Case Keenum remains Chicago’s fallback option.

Haize breaks down:

🚨 What a Grade 2 hamstring means for Chicago’s schedule

📅 Which games Caleb could realistically miss

🧀 Why the Packers matchup suddenly becomes a huge storyline

🧠 What Ben Johnson must change without Williams

👀 Whether Tyson Bagent can keep Chicago afloat

🧓 Why Case Keenum may still matter immediately

🏃 Why Swift and Monangai become even more important

🔥 How the Bears can survive until Caleb returns

The season isn’t over.

But the Bears’ margin for error just became a LOT smaller.

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone:  ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears head into Monday Night Football shorthanded — but are the 2-0 Philadelphia Eagles really as unbeatable as their reputation suggests?

Philadelphia has won its first two games by a combined six points, beating Washington 24-22 before needing a late touchdown drive to escape Tennessee 24-20. That deserves respect — good teams know how to survive close games — but it also means the Eagles haven’t separated from anybody yet.

And Philadelphia enters Week 3 with several injuries worth monitoring. Dallas Goedert is dealing with an MCL sprain, DeVonta Smith missed Thursday practice with a hamstring issue, and Saquon Barkley and Jalen Carter were among the players limited. The final injury picture still matters, so the correct question isn’t whether Philly is “decimated” — it’s whether Chicago can exploit whatever limitations remain Monday night.

But the Bears have their own problems.

Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent began the week as non-participants, along with Kyle Monangai, Cairo Santos and Tyrique Stevenson, potentially setting up a game where coaching, defense, the running game and mistake-free football matter even more than usual.

Haize also asks whether Bears fans are blaming the wrong people for the offensive disaster against Minnesota.

PFF currently has Chicago’s offensive line ranked No. 5, while Jonah Jackson and Darnell Wright have been among its highest-graded linemen through two weeks. Minnesota blitzed Caleb Williams on 27 of 33 dropbacks — 81.8% — meaning some of the chaos came from pressure design, protection recognition, quarterback processing and play design rather than simply offensive linemen losing blocks.

We’re breaking down:

🦅 Are the Eagles a vulnerable 2-0 team?

🚑 Philadelphia’s injuries and what they could mean

🐻 Chicago’s own injury concerns

🏃 Why an ugly, run-heavy game may give the Bears their best chance

🧱 Whether the Bears offensive line is actually becoming a strength

🤯 The difference between bad blocking and manufactured pressure

🧠 What Ben Johnson must fix after Minnesota

🔥 Why Monday night is a major early measuring stick

And there’s an NFC North opportunity too: Green Bay has dropped to 1-2, while Chicago enters the week at 1-1. A Bears win would immediately change the feeling around the division after the Minnesota loss.

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

#ChicagoBears #BearsVsEagles #BenJohnson #DarnellWrigh

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone:  ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears are dealing with a growing injury list heading into Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles — and the secondary may suddenly be one of the biggest concerns on the roster.

Caleb Williams remains week-to-week with a hamstring injury, while backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is in concussion protocol. But the injury questions extend well beyond quarterback.

Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is now week-to-week with a hamstring injury, Coby Bryant remains on injured reserve, and Chicago did not open Kyler Gordon’s 21-day return window despite him being eligible. When Ben Johnson was asked whether there had been any encouraging signs with Gordon, his response was simply: “I’ve got nothing to add there.”

That creates a huge question for Dennis Allen’s defense:

What exactly does the Bears secondary look like Monday night?

Could rookie Malik Muhammad now be forced into a full-time outside role? Who handles the slot? And how aggressive can Dennis Allen be without the nickel defender he specifically envisioned as a major piece of his system?

There is some good news.

Chicago officially opened the return-to-practice windows for Shemar Turner and Noah Sewell, and Turner could become one of the most important midseason additions on the entire roster. The former second-round pick is just 23 years old, offers positional versatility and could eventually give Chicago another interior pass-rush and rotational option without surrendering draft capital in a trade.

We’re also discussing a roster move that flew under the radar: Chicago waived long snapper Beau Gardner and signed veteran Scott Daly after a rough special-teams performance against Minnesota that included a blocked 23-yard field goal.

Haize breaks down:

🔥 What’s really going on with Kyler Gordon

🚨 Whether Chicago suddenly has a cornerback availability problem

👀 Malik Muhammad’s expanding role

💪 Shemar Turner’s return and potential breakout

🧠 Where Turner fits in Dennis Allen’s front

🎯 Why the Scott Daly move matters more than it appears

🏈 How injuries change the Bears’ margin for error against Philadelphia

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are the Chicago Bears dealing with legitimate long-term problems — or are Bears fans reacting to September issues that could look completely different by December?

Haize breaks down three early-season storylines that deserve attention without jumping straight to panic.

First, Gervon Dexter Sr. is off to a strong start in Atlanta after Chicago traded him for Clark Phillips III and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Through two games, Dexter owns a 78.7 PFF grade, an 83.2 pass-rush grade and eight pressures. Meanwhile, Phillips has yet to log a defensive snap for Chicago. Did Ryan Poles move Dexter one year too early — or could this trade still make sense if Chicago never planned to give Dexter a second contract?

Then there’s rookie tight end Sam Roush, selected No. 69 overall. Chicago wanted another true inline “Y” tight end to preserve Ben Johnson’s heavy 12- and 13-personnel offense, but Roush has had a rough early adjustment. The bigger question isn’t whether he becomes a high-volume receiver — it’s whether his blocking and versatility eventually unlock Kmet, Loveland and the rest of Chicago’s offense.

And finally: Jaylon Johnson and Montez Sweat. Both proven veterans have started slower than expected. Jaylon’s early coverage numbers have been rough, while Sweat has just six pressures and one sack through two games — but both have much larger track records suggesting a rebound is completely realistic.

The real question:

Are we seeing Bears problems…or September problems?

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

he Chicago Bears are coming off an ugly Week 2 loss, Caleb Williams is week-to-week with a hamstring injury, and now an undefeated Philadelphia Eagles team comes to Soldier Field for Monday Night Football.

But here’s the interesting part: Chicago already knows how to beat Philadelphia.

Last season, the Bears went into Philadelphia and won 24-15 while rushing for 281 yards. Kyle Monangai finished with 130 yards on 22 carries, while D’Andre Swift added 125 yards on 18 carries. Now, with Caleb’s availability uncertain, Haize asks whether Ben Johnson should rebuild the Week 3 offense around that same two-headed rushing attack.

We’re also diving into one of the strangest early-season developments: Kalif Raymond has become Chicago’s most dependable receiver. Through two games, Raymond has 13 catches for 124 yards, while Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland are still finding their place in the offense.

And then there’s Garrett Bradbury. Chicago traded a 2027 fifth-round pick for the veteran after Drew Dalman retired, but Bradbury was flagged four times against Minnesota after committing zero penalties and allowing zero sacks during the 2025 regular season. Was that simply a nightmare afternoon against Brian Flores — or a warning sign at the most important communication spot on the offensive line?

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears are dealing with much bigger questions than just a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Caleb Williams suffered a right hamstring injury late in Sunday’s game and is scheduled to undergo imaging Monday. Ben Johnson confirmed the hamstring diagnosis and said the Bears should know much more after the testing. There has been reported optimism that the injury may not be severe, potentially even a Grade 1 strain, but that has not yet been confirmed by the MRI.

If Caleb has to miss time, can Chicago actually trust Tyson Bagent? Bagent finished 5-of-9 for 54 yards and drove the Bears from their own 35 to Minnesota’s 12 on the final possession before the comeback attempt ended.

Haize also breaks down whether Brian Flores gave the NFL a blueprint for stopping Ben Johnson’s offense. Minnesota blitzed Caleb on 27 of 33 dropbacks — 81.8%, as Chicago went from 59 points in Week 1 to just three in Week 2.

And somehow, the Bears may have beaten themselves more than Minnesota beat them. Chicago’s defense allowed only 9 points, 246 total yards and zero touchdowns, but the offense wasted multiple scoring opportunities with penalties, a goal-line fumble and a blocked chip-shot field goal.

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone:  ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears suffered a brutal 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, but the biggest concern coming out of Soldier Field is the health of Caleb Williams.

Williams went down on a non-contact play in the fourth quarter and had to leave the game before later being listed with a hamstring injury. Before exiting, Caleb completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards with no touchdowns and one interception while adding 42 rushing yards on five carries.

The Bears offense looked completely different from the explosive unit we saw in Week 1. Chicago finished with 295 total yards and actually outgained Minnesota, but two turnovers, eight penalties for 58 yards and an inability to finish drives left the Bears with just three points.

Kyle Monangai led Chicago’s running backs with 47 yards on 10 carries, while D’Andre Swift rushed for 45 yards on 16 attempts and added 54 receiving yards. Rome Odunze finished with three catches for 43 yards, and Tyson Bagent entered after Williams’ injury, completing 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards.

Meanwhile, the Bears defense did enough to keep Chicago in the game, holding Minnesota to just 246 total yards and zero touchdowns. But Aaron Jones still rushed for 105 yards, and the Vikings did just enough offensively to escape Soldier Field with a 9-3 victory.

On this episode of Chicago Bears Central, Haize breaks down:

🏈 What went wrong with the Bears offense after the Week 1 explosion

🚨 The latest on Caleb Williams’ hamstring injury and what it could mean for Chicago

📉 Why the Bears could only manage three points despite 295 yards of offense

😬 The turnovers and penalties that helped sink Chicago

🧱 Whether the Bears defense deserved better after allowing zero touchdowns

🏃 Aaron Jones reaching 105 rushing yards against the Bears defense

👀 What Tyson Bagent showed after being forced into action

📊 What this loss tells us about the Bears after two weeks of the 2026 NFL season

The Bears fall to 1-1 after their first NFC North matchup of the season. How concerned should Bears fans be about the offense — and how much does the entire outlook change depending on the severity of Caleb Williams’ hamstring injury?

Drop your reaction in the comments and subscribe to Chicago Bears Central for Bears news, analysis, reactions and updates all season long.

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone:  ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Chicago Bears scored 59 points in Week 1 — but the defense gave Bears fans plenty to worry about.

Chicago allowed 478 total yards, 37 points and five offensive touchdowns, while Bryce Young threw for 361 yards and three scores. The defense did create turnovers and some timely stops, but Dennis Allen admitted the Bears need to clean up mental mistakes and regain control of the line of scrimmage.

Now comes Minnesota, Justin Jefferson and veteran quarterback Carson Wentz. Haize breaks down what real defensive improvement should look like, why Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson must respond, how the pass rush and coverage work together, and whether Week 2 starts telling us if Carolina was simply opening-week rust — or a sign of bigger problems.

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The NFC North just opened up for the Chicago Bears.

Detroit fell to Buffalo 41-31, dropping the Lions to 1-1, while Chicago and Minnesota remain 1-0. A Bears win Sunday would move Chicago to 2-0 and 1-0 in the division, giving them an early chance to make the rest of the NFC North start chasing.

But there’s a major storyline up front: Darnell Wright missed Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury before returning limited Thursday, while Ozzy Trapilo remains limited as he works back from his surgically repaired knee. That puts Chicago’s offensive tackle depth under the microscope against Brian Flores’ pressure-heavy Vikings defense.

Haize breaks down why this Week 2 game suddenly carries real divisional leverage, what Wright’s status could mean for Ben Johnson’s offense, and whether Chicago is ready to become the team everybody else in the North has to chase.

🎙️ Chicago Bears Central with Haize

Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/ChiBearsCentral

Get at us:

Email: ChicagoBearsCentral@gmail.com

Twitter:@ChiBearsCentral

Phone: ‪(773) 242-9336‬

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy