The Bears’ four-game win streak ended last Sunday in Baltimore, but there was more to take away from that loss than just the score. Caleb Williams’ box score didn’t sparkle, but the tape told a different story. He made several high-level throws in tight windows against a defense built to confuse young quarterbacks, showing flashes of growth that Ben Johnson highlighted earlier this week. It wasn’t perfect — far from it — but the progress is there, and that’s what matters most heading into November.
Now comes another test, this time in Cincinnati against a Bengals team that’s tough to figure out. Joe Flacco is expected to start but is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, putting his status squarely in the “questionable” column heading into the weekend. If he can’t go, it’ll be Jake Browning under center. Either way, Chicago will face a talented receiver duo in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, capable of wrecking games regardless of who’s throwing them the football.
The problem for the Bears is that they’ll have to defend that duo without much of their secondary intact. Starting cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are all out this week. Meanwhile, Tyrique Stevenson was upgraded on the injury report and could return to the lineup after not playing in Week 8. Even if Stevenson does return, the absences of Johnson and Gordon leave behind a patchwork group to hold down the fort. The team did add Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who is expected to slide into the nickel role in place of Gordon — a move that provides a little stability and attitude to an otherwise thinned-out cornerback room.
Bears Keys to Victory
Red Zone Efficiency
If the Bears want to get back on track, it starts inside the 20. Chicago’s offense has moved the ball well between the 20s in recent weeks but continues to stall in scoring range, settling for field goals instead of finishing drives. That can’t continue — not against a Bengals defense that’s struggled to hold firm near the goal line. Cincinnati ranks 30th in the league in red zone defense, allowing opponents to score touchdowns on over 70 percent of their trips.
The opportunity is there for Chicago to break through. Whether it’s leaning on D’Andre Swift in tight formations, using Caleb Williams’ mobility in rollouts, or scheming open quick throws for Williams’ efficiency in the red zone has to be the focus. The Bears can’t afford to leave points on the field again.
Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Mike Green (45) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesSurvive Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
Regardless of who starts at quarterback for Cincinnati, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will command attention. Both can win on any route and at any level, and that’s a scary thought for a Bears secondary that’s down its top four corners. Chase remains one of the league’s elite after-the-catch playmakers, while Higgins is a problem in contested situations and on third down.
Without Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen’s defense will likely have to rely on safety help and zone rotations to disguise coverages. Expect Gardner-Johnson to be active near the line of scrimmage and underneath zones to limit explosive plays. But the real key lies up front — if Chicago can’t generate consistent pressure, it won’t matter who’s under center for Cincinnati.
Keeping the ball in front and tackling cleanly will be the difference between giving up field goals and giving up touchdowns. Containing Chase and Higgins isn’t about erasing them; it’s about surviving their impact and keeping them from dictating the game.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) celebrates after breaking away for a long run on a reception in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. The Jaguars led 17-10 at halftime.Searching for Balance (Still)
This one carries over from last week, because the Bears still haven’t found it. After the win over New Orleans two weeks ago, Ben Johnson said the offense would be “special when it comes to life.” That was his way of saying what everyone can see — Chicago’s offense has been good, but it hasn’t hit its full potential yet. Johnson admitted that the Bears haven’t played a complete game where both the passing and running attack have clicked together for 60 minutes, and the loss in Baltimore made that point all over again.
The imbalance showed clearly against the Ravens. The Bears found success early on the ground but couldn’t build momentum through the air when it mattered. Then, once the game tightened, the offense became too predictable and lost rhythm. That’s been the pattern — stretches of strong play in one phase while the other disappears.
Sep 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson on the sidelines during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesThe fix isn’t a scheme overhaul; it’s timing and rhythm. When the Bears’ run game establishes early down efficiency, it sets up the explosive play-action and movement concepts that showcase Caleb Williams’ strengths. When Williams and the passing game are efficient on early downs, defenses can’t load up to stop D’Andre Swift and the ground attack.
Against a Bengals defense that’s struggled in the red zone but thrives on turnovers, balance isn’t just ideal — it’s essential. Chicago needs both phases firing in sync to finish drives and control the tempo. If Johnson’s unit can finally put it all together, the offense everyone keeps talking about might finally make its full-season debut in Cincinnati.
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