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One stat shows how Ben Johnson and the Bears are helping Caleb Williams thrive
Caleb Williams thrives in his third NFL season as the Bears' offense protects him, letting him excel when unpressured. ESPN’s mid‑season report shows he leads the league with an 82.8% completion rate on pressure‑free throws, the highest for a qualifying quarterback since 2009. Pro Football Focus notes his career‑best passing grade (84.6), adjusted completion (83.7) and passer rating (106.4) in clean situations. Coach Ben Johnson’s scheme creates quick, simple throws and effective screens, while the line limits pressures, allowing Williams 3.33 seconds per play and only 14 sacks (tied 21st). Even after a four‑interception loss to Tampa Bay, his ability to make the right plays when protected keeps Chicago competitive.
WCG Dynasty Fantasy Football: Updating the League
With the Bears on a bye, Windy City Gridiron recaps the WCG Dynasty Fantasy Football league nine weeks in. Mason West leads the pack at 9‑0, averaging a league‑shattering 311 points per game, while Jeff Berckes follows closely with a 290 PPG average after acquiring Bijan Robinson. Third‑place Lester Wiltfong sits 6‑1 but drops to an 8th‑ranked 249 PPG, indicating a reliance on narrow wins. Tied at 5‑4 are Adam Hess, Brandon Robinson and Will Ingalls, each facing distinct challenges—from depth concerns to quarterback woes. The preview also hints at playoff implications and the upcoming 2027 draft.
5 biggest needs for Bears in 2027 offseason
With the Bears riding a 7-2 record and a first‑place NFC North spot heading into their Week 10 bye, Windy City Gridiron outlines the team's five biggest offseason priorities for 2027. The author flags a long‑term need at offensive guard as Joe Thuney ages, a potential linebacker shuffle if T.J. Edwards departs (saving $8.5 M), and a crucial edge‑rusher decision after Montez Sweat or Dayo Odeyingbo could become cap casualties. Draft‑ready options are highlighted, especially second‑round prospects like Ohio State guard Austin Siereveld, Clemson edge rusher Will Heldt, and other Day‑2 names. The piece also notes Chicago’s trade‑down in the first round for Jeffery Simmons, making the second round a focal point for rebuilding.
Question of the Day: How far do Bears have to go for you to be satisfied?
The Chicago Bears sit 7‑2 and atop the NFC North, sparking debate over how far they must go to satisfy fans. After a strong 2025 run that included a division title and a near‑miss at the NFC Championship, expectations are higher this season. Writer Mike Ditka (in a mock press conference with a Lombardi Trophy) argues that only reaching the Super Bowl—or at least the conference championship—will truly please the fanbase, as playoff appearances alone will feel insufficient. The piece invites readers to weigh in on whether “Super Bowl or bust” is the goal for Chicago’s 2026 campaign.
Bears Week 10 Flashbacks: Concannon’s Bombs, Dent’s Dominance, Vasher’s 108 yards
Windy City Gridiron’s Week 10 Flashbacks spotlight five standout Bears performances spanning six decades. In 1967, rookie QB Jack Concannon threw three long TD passes (93, 51 and 67 yards) as Chicago routs the Cardinals 30‑3. The 1979 win over Detroit features Walter Payton’s 166 yards from scrimmage and a 77‑yard punt return by Steve Schubert, propelling the Bears to a 35‑7 victory. Richard Dent’s franchise‑record 4.5 sacks dominate the 1984 showdown with the defending champion Raiders, a 17‑6 shutout. In 1990, Vestee Jackson’s defensive heroics secure a 30‑24 win over the Falcons, and in 2005 Nathan Vasher returns a field goal for a touchdown at Soldier Field. Each game showcases the Bears’ historic blend of explosive offense, relentless defense and special‑teams play.
2026 NFL QB Rankings: Midseason Edition
Midseason NFL quarterback rankings from Windy City Gridiron shake up the top five. Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills finally dethrones Patrick Mahomes for the No. 1 spot, with Mahomes dropping to second. Joe Burrow sits third as a likely MVP candidate, while Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy round out the top five despite injury concerns and debate over Purdy’s elite status. The list also highlights rising stars like Caleb Williams (6th) and Jordan Love (7th), and notes Matthew Stafford’s decline toward the bottom of the top ten. Full rankings and analysis run through 12th place.
Chicago Developers Have a New $10 Billion Plan to Keep the Bears in the City
Chicago developers unveil a $10 billion, 100‑acre plan to build a state‑of‑the‑art domed Bears stadium on the former Michael Reese Hospital site in Bronzeville. The proposal, led by Farpoint Development and investor Quintin Primo, doubles the original Bronzeville Lakefront project, includes demolition of up to 1,000 apartments with a pledge to replace them with 1,500 units and tenant protections. It also offers to buy the team’s 300‑plus acres in Arlington Heights, removing a major obstacle to keeping the Bears downtown. The plan aims to finally resolve the stadium saga that’s lingered for years.
Caleb Williams Week 9 QB Grade: Bears vs Buccaneers Film Breakdown
In Week 9, Chicago Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams led a 27-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but his performance turned chaotic after a strong start. He completed 22 of 37 passes for 279 yards, two touchdowns, and an unprecedented four interceptions—the first time he’s thrown that many at any level. The turnovers stemmed from a forced throw after a penalty and two mis‑executed throwaways, plus a deflected pass. Despite the miscues, early scores to Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III kept the Bears ahead, extending their record to 7-2 with a four‑game streak. The article dissects the breakdown and notes lingering accuracy concerns in the third quarter.
Chicago Bears News: One MVP earned, more to go on Gridiron, Ice, Court
The latest Windy City Gridiron post celebrates Cubs outfielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong’s National League MVP win, noting his close friendship with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who appears in the Cubs’ MVP video. The article also teases a $10 billion stadium proposal to lure the Bears to Arlington Heights and hints at big‑ticket comments from Cris Collinsworth and Mike Tomlin about Chicago’s future. While the piece is light on game recaps, it links to related NFL stories, power rankings, and fan polls on post‑bye adjustments.
Washington Commanders vs. the New York Giants Open Thread!
Windy City Gridiron invites members to an exclusive open thread for Thursday Night Football’s Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants matchup on November 13, 2026. The post encourages fans to discuss the game in the comment section, noting the thread’s WCG-MA rating, and references the NFL Feed for broader league talk. It also includes promotional tweets about new Jeffery Simmons Bears apparel from BreakingT.
NFL Power Rankings- Midseason Edition
Midseason NFL power rankings reveal a dramatically reshuffled top ten. The San Francisco 49ers remain No. 1, followed by the Chicago Bears at No. 2 after a strong win over Tampa. Notable movers include the Jacksonville Jaguars jumping to No. 4 after aggressive trade‑deadline acquisitions, and the Green Bay Packers climbing to No. 5 despite a rough start. Kansas City stays in the top six, while the Buffalo Bills sit at No. 3, hoping Josh Allen can cement his legacy. Several teams fell 18 spots, and only half of the preseason top‑10 remain. The list also highlights MVP chatter around Joe Burrow (Cincinnati) and rising QB CJ Stroud (Houston).
Fishbain: Fascinating to see if the Bears’ run game improves after the bye, like last season
The Chicago Bears sit 7-2 and atop the NFC North as they head into a bye week, prompting a deep dive with The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain. The discussion covers Caleb Williams' four-interception outing, the team's overall performance, Jeffery Simmons' impact on the defense, Jaylon Johnson's progress, the missed cornerback addition, the strength of the NFC North, and Kirk Cousins' move to the Vikings. Listeners can catch the full conversation on the 2nd City Gridiron YouTube channel or podcast feed.
Bears Question of the Day: What adjustment do you want to see after the Bye?
The Chicago Bears sit 7‑2 atop the NFC North heading into their Week 10 bye and face a key offensive line decision. Writer Clay Harbor argues the team should replace struggling veteran center Garrett Bradbury with rookie Logan Jones, a 2026 second‑round pick who showed promise against the Falcons but still needs polish. Bradbury ranks 27th of 32 centers in PFF pass‑blocking grades and has struggled with middle pressure, hurting both Caleb Williams' pocket and the run game. Harbor believes swapping the two and healing injuries to Kyle Monangai and Luther Burden could revive the Bears' rushing attack for a deep playoff run.
Chicago Bears News: Leadership is on display in Chicago.
During their bye week, the Chicago Bears keep the buzz alive with Jeffery Simmons' mic‑up trash talk and a highlight‑reel interception return by cornerback Jaylon Johnson that resulted in a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 8. The blog also addresses lingering Khalil Mack trade rumors—confirmed dead as the Chargers hold onto him—while noting a fan‑service care package sent to an Australian X user and Caleb Williams' platinum‑glove celebration with Pete Crow‑Armstrong. All eyes now turn to the upcoming matchup with the New Orleans Saints.
Chicago Bears-Tampa Bay Bucs stockwatch: Caleb down, Devin Bush up
The Bears hold a 7-2 record despite injuries and a tough loss to Tampa Bay, and a looming bye week could be crucial. Highlights include Jaylon Johnson’s 67‑yard pick‑six and Devin Bush’s standout defensive effort with nine tackles, two passes defensed and a tackle for loss. Cameron Lewis records his first interception since 2024. On the downside, quarterback Caleb Williams throws four interceptions – his first multi‑interception game in 40 starts – and running back D’Andre Swift struggles against elite run defenses, while rookie Zavion Thomas’s promising kick return is negated by a costly penalty. The article previews a deeper season‑long stock‑watch analysis.
Reviewing the Bears’ PFN grades from Week 9 vs. Buccaneers
The Bears clinched a 27‑24 win over Tampa Bay on Nov. 2, extending their streak to four and improving to 7‑2 before a Week 10 bye. Pro Football Network grades reveal a struggling offense—Caleb Williams posts a 71.9 rating (18th of 30 QBs) and four interceptions, while D’Andre Swift rates 68.9 (44th of 47 RBs). The line fares better, highlighted by Darnell Wright’s league‑best 89.0 OT grade. Defensively, Chicago shines: Jaylon Johnson earns a franchise‑record 94.1 (1st of 101 CBs) with a pick‑six, and Cam Lewis adds an 88.4 SAF grade. Jeffery Simmons, Austin Booker and Devin Bush also rank among the week’s top defenders. Special teams see Cairo Santos’ clutch 38‑yard field goal, though his overall PFN score remains modest.
Chicago Bears Pass Protection Analysis on the Sack Allowed vs Buccaneers
At the season’s midpoint, the Chicago Bears’ pass protection improves dramatically, allowing just one sack in each of the last two games and dropping their sack rate to 6.0% (14th in the NFL). After a stretch of 11 sacks in three games, quarterback Caleb Williams now sits at a 6.70% sack percentage, barely above the league average. The Bears enjoy a bye before facing the New Orleans Saints’ elite pass‑rushing duo—Chase Young (8 sacks) and Carl Granderson (7.5 sacks)—on Nov. 22. The article also breaks down a recent sack involving left guard Joe Thuney and nose tackle Vita Vea, and lists individual sack totals after nine games.
Hot Take Wednesday: Chicago Bears Defense now legit
The Chicago Bears’ defense has been transformed since acquiring Jeffery Simmons on the trade deadline, turning a sputtering unit into a championship contender. The line went from 11 sacks in six games to seven in just two, while the blitz rate dropped from 40% to 15%, allowing more straight-up defending. In the recent win over Tampa Bay, the Bears forced five turnovers and held the Bucs to just two third‑down conversions (2‑12). Despite offensive struggles, the defense’s dominance gives the Bears new ways to win as they lead a historically strong NFC North midway through the 2026 season.
Bears v. Buccaneers Upon Further Review: A Closer Look at the Referees
Week 9’s 27‑24 Bears win over the Buccaneers hinged on controversial officiating, according to Windy City Gridiron’s deep dive. The article grades every flag and no‑call on a four‑tier scale, highlighting 17 penalties for 119 yards and a pivotal “Flag of the Game”—a dubious offensive‑holding call on D’Marco Jackson that nullified a potential touchdown and earned a “Horrible” rating with a weight of 4. Other notable calls include a correct kickoff short of the landing zone, unnecessary roughness on Zavion Thomas, and several false‑start penalties on Tampa Bay. The piece also lists the full crew and uses replay analysis to argue the impact of each decision.
Breaking Down the Bears Jeffery Simmons Trade
The Chicago Bears pull off a historic trade on October 29, 2026, acquiring defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans for two first‑round picks—an unprecedented price for a DT in the modern era. General manager Ryan Poles, who had long eyed Simmons, finally sealed the deal after intense negotiations with Titans GM Mike Borgonzi. The move bolsters a Bears defense that lacked an interior anchor, complementing MVP‑caliber quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson’s vision. Meanwhile, the struggling Titans, with just one win, lose a potential game‑changing player, highlighting the trade’s league‑wide impact.
Chicago Bears News: Bears stand pat at trade deadline, Minnesota Vikings don’t
At the 2026 NFL trade deadline, the Chicago Bears stick with their roster while NFC North rivals make headlines. Minnesota trades for quarterback Kirk Cousins, instantly boosting their QB depth, whereas the Bears’ GM Ryan Poles, who previously paid two first‑round picks for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, makes no moves. Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott gets another workout, and the Bears hover near the top of power rankings entering Week 10 despite an ugly win.
Chicago Bears Bye Week Confidence Check!
At 7-2 and atop the NFC midway through the 2026 season, the Chicago Bears head into their bye week with strong confidence. The article highlights key health upgrades: D’Andre Swift gets rest, Kyle Monangai is set to return, and injured wideout Luther Burden III (49 catches, 644 yards) benefits from the break. Defensive additions like Jeffery Simmons are paying off, and cornerback Malik Muhammad II, Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, and lineman Dayo Odeyingbo are expected back soon. Fans are surveyed on their confidence and win predictions as the Bears chase back‑to‑back playoff berths.
Chicago Bears week 10 power rankings roundup
Entering a bye week at 7-2, the Chicago Bears sit atop several mid‑season power rankings. After a gritty 27‑24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football—despite quarterback Caleb Williams throwing four interceptions—the Bears remain a Super Bowl contender, though their fourth‑most turnovers and sixth‑most penalties raise concerns. Rankings from Windy City Gridiron (4), The Athletic (6), ProFootballTalk (No. 5), CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports, NFL.com, USA Today, and ESPN/NFL Nation range from 2 to 6, reflecting both praise for the defense and worries over offensive miscues. The bye week offers a chance to clean up mistakes before the tough stretch beginning on Thanksgiving.
Bears stay quiet at trade deadline after Simmons blockbuster
The Chicago Bears pull off the season's biggest mid‑season trade on Oct. 29, sending two first‑round picks to the Titans for All‑Pro DT Jeffery Simmons. Simmons instantly dominates, posting a perfect 100.0 PFN DT Impact grade, leading the league with 6.0 sacks and 48 tackles through nine weeks, and recording a sack in each of his first two games. Despite rumors about needing a cornerback or edge rusher, GM Ryan Poles sticks to the roster, with head coach Ben Johnson praising the squad’s confidence and weekly win‑ability.
NFL Trade Deadline Rumor Tracker: The latest regarding the Chicago Bears
With the NFL trade deadline looming at 3 p.m. CT today, the Chicago Bears are the focus of swirling rumors. The Los Angeles Chargers have firmly rejected trade talks for defensive end Khalil Mack, despite his public desire to stay, while the Houston Texans have fielded interest in Jadeveon Clowney as a potential replacement. Former Bear cornerback Nahshon Wright is reportedly unhappy with the New York Jets and may seek a return to Chicago. Meanwhile, the Eagles and Lions are linked to other cornerback options, and the division‑leading Vikings are exploring multiple position upgrades. The tracker will be updated Tuesday.
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