Already, the Chicago Bears were catching the attention of the league based on their level of play and the clear talent offensively. Making a push that resulted in bringing in Jeffrey Simmons and parting ways with two first-round picks sent an undeniable message to Ben Johnson and the league itself. Chicago views itself as a Super Bowl contender capable of winning now and is willing to sacrifice the future to make the most of its current core.
Simmons is an understandable addition and has already had an impact, jumping off the screen more than once in last week's Monday Night Football debut. Still, the Bears have to understand that the addition of Simmons has turned up the heat on Ben Johnson. The head coach does an incredible job of doing this himself as well, based on a lovably cocky style of answering media questions and building up his roster.
Year two and already there is a growing expectation that this is Super Bowl coaching staff and roster. This is helped by the fact respected veteran coordinator Dennis Allen takes on such a heavy load defensively. Still, there is no denying the level of pressure on Johnson before a trade that undeniably turns up the heat.
This isn't always a bad thing as Chicago has proven media expectations good or bad aren't going to change the approach or headspace. Johnson has done an incredible job have the roster prepared each and every week and there isn't reason to believe this is going to change.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson under incredible pressure as expectations continue to grow
Rather, it is only fair to point out the incredible level of pressure on the second-year coach. What is amusing about these expectations is the fact it is the opposite of what was expected going into the season. Pundits were quick to point to Chicago as the team that would unquestionably regressed and many doubled down when Caleb Williams exited the starting lineup.
Johnson proved capable of weathering the noise and finding ways to win and that is likely to continue. Even as the expectations have flipped the focus and ability to prepare isn't going to change for Chicago's head coach. Still, the pressure is worth remembering and keeping an eye on making sure there aren't any meaningful changes.
The Bears being a Super Bowl contender is something much of the fanbase has remembered since the start of the 2026 season. No question, adding Simmons have skyrocketed pressure on a head coach and a team whose season will only be considered a win if it ends lifting the Lombardi.
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