Bears coach: Caleb Williams, receivers need better chemistry - ESPN

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Bears coach Ben Johnson says he's already begun looking ahead to the 2026 season and contemplating what it will take for Chicago to be in position for success.

Among the areas Johnson feels the Bears need to improve most is the chemistry between quarterback Caleb Williams and his pass catchers.

«When I think about being fundamentally sound, we got to do a better job catching the football next year,» Johnson said. «I can tell you right now that'll be a point of emphasis for us when they come back in the springtime.»

The Bears had 29 drops this season, which marked the fifth-most in the NFL. Running back Kyle Monangai led the Bears with six drops followed by Olamide Zaccheaus with five and four each from Luther Burden III and D'Andre Swift.

Several players spoke about missed opportunities that occurred throughout the year because of struggles in the passing game. In Chicago's season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs, wide receiver Rome Odunze lamented his dropped pass in the red zone on the Bears' opening drive that resulted in an interception.

Johnson spoke Wednesday morning at Halas Hall, three days removed from the season ending shy of a trip to the NFC Championship. When asked about his perspective on the game-sealing interception in overtime and what he saw from wide receiver DJ Moore, who has been criticized for his route running effort, Johnson shouldered the blame.

«Here's what I'll say just off the cuff about that particular play — if there was any sort of miscommunication, that's my problem,» Johnson said. «That's no one else's but mine. I gotta do a better job coaching that up.»

Johnson said he is already rejuvenated for next season but does not