The Ben Johnson era got off to a good start early as the play sheet he designed produced a touchdown on the opening drive — the first time the Chicago Bears have had one in a season opener since 2018.

But it was a messy slog from there as the Bears fell apart in all phases, botching an 11-point lead going into the fourth quarter and losing to the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 on Monday night at Soldier Field.

Here are 10 thoughts following the Bears’ ninth loss to open a season in the last 12 years.

At the same time, Caleb Williams looked a lot like the same player from 2024.

There will be an avalanche of reaction — and overreaction — from the frustration of a poorly played opener in the national spotlight. One game is the starting point for the season, not something that sets the arc for th

See Full Page