Good, Better, Best: How the Bears Are Building Toward January Football
The Chicago Bears are sitting atop the NFC through Week 13, and if that sentence feels strange to read, you're not alone. This isn’t the same Bears team fans have grown used to over the last few years. Under head coach Ben Johnson, there’s been a clear cultural and structural shift - one that’s taken Chicago from perennial rebuild mode to legitimate playoff threat.
Johnson’s approach is rooted in a simple but powerful mantra: “Good, Better, Best.” It’s not just a locker room slogan - it’s a framework for how this team evaluates itself, grows, and prepares for what’s ahead. With five games to go before the postseason, let’s break down where the Bears stand: what’s working, what’s improving, and what still needs to click if they want to make noise in January.
GOOD: The Foundation Is Set - But Not Finished
Let’s start with what’s working. The Bears have established a solid base on both sides of the ball.
The run defense has become a reliable asset, holding up well across long stretches and forcing opponents to become one-dimensional. The pass rush?
It’s not flashy, but it’s efficient - generating pressure without needing to send the house. That’s a big deal in today’s NFL, where disguising pressure and keeping coverage intact is critical.
Offensively, Chicago has found rhythm early in games. Their scripted drives show purpose and planning - a sign of a coaching staff that knows how to set the tone. But for all these positives, there’s a common thread: they’re good, not great.
Missed tackles still pop up too often. The offense can stall mid-game, and there are stretches where the energy and execution dip. These are the growing pains of a team learning how to sustain success - not just flash it.
BETTER: Growth Where It Matters Most
This is where the Bears have really separated themselves from past iterations. The improvements are tangible - and they’re showing up in critical moments.
Defensively, third downs have become more manageable. The Bears are getting off the field more consistently, flipping the field position battle and giving their offense more chances to operate.
The offensive line, which was once a weekly concern, has stabilized. Protection has improved, and that’s allowed rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to settle in.
Williams, in particular, has taken a noticeable step forward. He’s playing faster, making cleaner decisions, and cutting down on the reckless moments that defined his early weeks. The talent was always there - now the discipline is catching up.
This is the “better” stage of Johnson’s mantra. It’s where coaching meets buy-in. It’s where a young roster starts to believe it can win the close ones - and actually does.
BEST: Where the Bears Lead the Pack
Here’s where things get exciting. Because while the Bears are still growing in some areas, there are a few categories where they’re not just competing - they’re leading.
Their red-zone defense has been elite. This unit stiffens when the field shrinks, turning potential touchdowns into field goals and flipping momentum when it matters most.
They’re also among the league leaders in takeaways - a stat that’s more than just a bonus. It’s a game-changer, especially in the postseason.
And then there’s the run game. It’s not just productive - it’s punishing.
Chicago has built a ground attack that wears down defenses, shortens games, and travels well. That’s the kind of identity that wins in December and January.
These are the traits of a team that’s not just hot - but built to last. When the Bears are firing on all cylinders, they don’t look like a team trying to survive the season. They look like one that’s preparing to own it.
What’s Still Ahead
Johnson’s “Good, Better, Best” mantra isn’t about patting themselves on the back - it’s about staying hungry. The Bears have already checked the first two boxes.
They’ve built a solid foundation, and they’ve shown real growth. Now comes the hardest part: turning those strengths into a winning formula when the stakes are highest.
The postseason isn’t just about talent - it’s about consistency, execution, and resilience. The Bears have shown flashes of all three.
But to make a real run in January, they’ll need to bring it all together. That means cleaning up the lapses, finishing drives, and staying sharp in the moments that decide games.
The climb has been long, and it’s been bumpy. But with five games left, the Bears are in position - not just to make the playoffs, but to make an impact once they get there.
They’ve been good. They’re getting better. Now it’s time to find out if they can be their best when it matters most.