The Chicago Bears' offensive shift in year two of Ben Johnson will be one of the most interesting changes to watch in 2026. Matt Bowen of ESPN notes that the team is expected to run a heavy dose of 13-personnel, a stark increase from the year prior.
Chicago Bears anticipate offensive shift in 2026
Bowen notes that the Los Angeles Rams were one of the best teams in the NFL when it came to getting three-tight ends on the field in 2025. They used that success to make a run to the NFC Championship. The Bears ranked 5th in 13-personnel last year, but with just 94 snaps, it was clear that few teams had adapted to the Rams' style.Â
However, in 2026, many teams are pivoting over, and the Bears are the most equipped. The drafting of Sam Roush looked excessive at the time, but if the team is ready to mimic the Rams style of offense, they might be one of the most talented teams at their tight end spot.Â
The Bears had Durham Smythe in the role last year, so upgrading to Roush could unleash a lot more in their offense. More than that, they already know what they can do with Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland. Kmet is more of the traditional, in-line tight end.Â
This allows the team to use Colston Loveland as their slot wide receiver. However, Loveland is also good enough as a blocker that when the matchup calls for it they can push him inside and then shift Kmet out to get wide receiver work. They force teams into these matchup advantages by playing Roush and showing run looks.Â
What makes this exciting is that the league is less about what has been done and more about what can be done. It is clear that Johnson has seen what the Rams do, and rather than repeating it, he is going ti put his own spin on it.Â
The combination of impressive personnel and a creative mind could make this look the most interesting trend in the NFL in 2026.
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