Ben Johnson Says Bears Need to 'Do a Better Job Catching the Football' After NFL Playoff Loss

The Chicago Bears enjoyed a great season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, going 11-6, winning the NFC North and reaching the NFC's Divisional round.

Chicago obviously wants to take another step next year, and Johnson believes one area of improvement to focus on is catching the football.

"When I think about being fundamentally sound, we got to do a better job catching the football next year," Johnson told reporters Wednesday, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "I can tell you right now that'll be a point of emphasis for us when they come back in the springtime."

According to Cronin, the Bears' 29 drops this season ranked fifth-most in the NFL. Four players had four or more drops, with running back Kyle Monangai posting six.

Some drops were more costly than others. During his team's eventual 20-17 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday, Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze dropped a potential touchdown pass on Chicago's opening drive, which ended with quarterback Caleb Williams throwing an interception.

It was a tough defeat to cap a great year, but there's certainly fantastic hope for next season given how 2025 went. However, Johnson also stressed that the 2026 Bears must start at "square one," essentially noting that each season is its own entity.

The Bears will certainly bring back some great talents, led by Williams, who noted some things he needs to improve on as well.

Ultimately, there was a lot to love about this Bears season, and hope remains high for the 2026 campaign.