Ben Johnson isn't the only Chicago Bears coach making headlines this week, with offensive coordinator Declan Doyle commenting on early miscues. Doyle didn't pull any punches when talking about a failed snap that led to a fumble and a flashback to sloppy play that defined the previous regime. Johnson has attempted to set a new tone, and even in a preseason game, seeing this level of mistake was a huge frustration.
This set up Doyle to offer a frustrated answer when questioned about what caused the early fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs. For the Bears, it isn't alarming when you pair it with the rest of the performance and how sharp the offense has looked. Still, the new OC didn't pull any punches when discussing the play:
Bears OC Declan Doyle diagnosing what happened on the 1st play of the game in Kansas City, which resulted in a fumbled exchange on a jet sweep: "We end up snapping the ball a little bit late, we end up having to rush the ball handling a little bit and the ball ends up on the…
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) August 25, 2025
"We end up snapping the ball a little bit late, we end up having to rush the ball handling a little bit, and the ball ends up on the ground, which, any time it's on the ground, it's unacceptable."Declan Doyle, Bears OC
Chicago's offense has shown steady improvement under Johnson and Doyle, despite having a handful of sloppy mistakes. Growing pains are to be expected not only with a young offense but in a completely new system.
Bears OC Declan Doyle Calls Out Unacceptable Mistake
ESPN's Courtney Cronin reported the comments with Doyle speaking to the media ahead of final roster cuts. For the Bears, it is an exciting sign that the OC is so caught up over the one flaw in what was an impressive offensive performance. It speaks to a level of expected greatness the Bears have long been lacking. Having not only a head coach but an OC that is going to take players to task is an important sign of growth.
Not only this, but it is a requirement if the Bears have any hope of contending in a crowded NFC North. Anything short of consistent offensive execution is going to prevent the franchise from breaking its playoff drought. Doyle understands this and has no issue calling it out, not only to his players but to the Chicago media.
It is a great sign for the Bears ahead of a pivotal 2025 season. Fan expectations remain high after a strong offseason and rebuilding both the offensive and defensive lines. Chicago has all the needed pieces in place if Williams performs as expected, including a coaching staff that continues to impress a frustrated fan base.