Ben Johnson Fires Back at Media Over Bears Coverage Ahead of Season

Head coach Ben Johnson is not happy with how the media has been covering the Chicago Bears as he prepares for his second season. Training camp is ongoing, and Johnson seems frustrated by reporters focusing on last season's performance. His main concern is whether the actions of current players are contributing to the team's success.

Johnson explained that he only wants to hear about the players who are actively helping the team win. He emphasized that the 90 other players on the roster, many of whom are fighting for their professional careers, have incredible stories worth telling. He reiterated that discussing last season's outcome won't help the team win.

Last year, the Bears finished with an 11-6 record, won the NFC North Division, and secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. They defeated the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game. Johnson, who credited his coaching and ability to motivate players with fiery postgame speeches, acknowledged the ongoing debate about whether this team can once again be a legitimate NFC contender.

According to ESPN, the Bears face one of the toughest schedules in the league. The coach appears to be under significant pressure to ensure the team's success, particularly after losing key personnel this offseason through trades, free agency, and dealing with injury concerns. Among the injuries are wide receiver Luther Burden III, who has been sidelined with a groin injury, and safety Coby Bryant, who is expected to be out for up to six months following knee surgery on August 16.

Johnson is working to make the right roster decisions as the team enters a challenging preseason. The Bears will conclude their preseason on Saturday with a game against the Tennessee Titans, followed by their season opener on Sunday, September 13, against the Carolina Panthers. Johnson hopes to begin the season on a positive note.