I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I trust the Chicago Bears.
I don’t know if I’ve ever been able to say that before.
Think back to the “Rex is our quarterback” glory days of the Lovie Smith era. We knew it wouldn’t last. But the Bears sold us on the idea that they had the QB situation solved year in and year out. And we’d buy stock.
I’ve been fooled by the Bears many times. It’s the nature of being a fan.
BELIEVE WHAT YOU ARE SEEING AND HEARING
The difference now is Ben Johnson. You could feel tangible change the second he walked into Halas Hall. From his first open training camp practice in 2025, you could sense the intent behind every single facet. When he speaks to the media, he cuts out the BS and explains his reasoning with thoughtful and detailed responses.
It might not seem like much, but it’s a big difference from the coaches of the past.
Most importantly, the execution, consistency, intensity and attention to detail continues to show on the practice field and translate to game days.
That wasn’t the case before Johnson arrived.
The offseason was always a facade.
Now, it’s a reality.
I WASN’T SURPRISED
While the rest of the world was in shock watching The Case Keenum Game, I wasn’t. I picked the Bears to win – and I picked the Bears to win big with Keenum.
Why? Because I trust the Bears.
Because I believe what I’ve seen.
What Keenum did on Monday shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anybody – even as a third-string quarterback. He just had a chance to showcase the accuracy and poise he showed at Halas Hall for more than a year now in camp and practice.
The Bears’ offensive firepower makes everyone better, too.
I tried to tell people that this offense wasn’t just going to be special, that it would be much more than that. As the weeks go on, you’ll see more and more – and start dreaming as big as I’m currently dreaming.
TYSON ON DECK
So if I’ve earned your trust so far can you trust me that you’ll want to see Tyson Bagent as well?
Maybe you guys need to hear this from someone other than Mark Carman but Bagent can spin it. He’s very talented, driven, detailed and hungry.
If you don’t want to listen to me, listen to Ben Johnson, who routinely called him a top-32 quarterback in the NFL.
At this point, I’m going to trust him.
I’m going to trust what I’ve seen with my own eyes at camp as I did with Keenum.
Chicago with three good QBs? I know it’s hard to believe.
THE TRUTH IS
All three of the Bears quarterbacks are going to play well in this system. The system is the star. That is no slight on any individual player. They all enhance the system in their own ways – and Caleb Williams takes its potential to another level.
But the system can survive without any one player. Why? Because of Ben Johnson. That wasn’t a magic trick on Monday Night Football. That was the system. Believe it.
TRUST IN BEN
Whoever Ben Johnson decides to start against the Jets, understand that quarterback is who is best for the job. Understand that this isn’t for some fun storyline or gamesmanship. Understand that Ben Johnson’s sole purpose is to have the highest-scoring offense in NFL history. He has said as much. So when he makes a decision on offense, it’s with that thought in mind.
TRUST IN THE BEARS
We got to start healing scars of the past. I have been as hard on chairman George McCaskey as anyone but you know what? He’s helped turn this thing around. And it’s the same with general manager Ryan Poles.
I’ve found myself defending Poles more times than not in years past but I’m still seeing some apprehension when it comes to giving Poles his flowers for his part in this turnaround. At some point, he’s going to deserve some credit.
President Kevin Warren? OK … maybe one step at a time.
MY POINT IS
Being a Bears fan will be different going forward. Mistakes were made. Trust was lost. But we have now arrived at this moment where things are just working out for the Bears. And I understand not wanting to fall for it. And we’ve said it before but it just feels different this time.
Ben Johnson is the reason for that.
Trust me.
