Reasonable or Overreaction? 3 Bears Takes After Week 4 Win Over Jets

The Bears have plenty of reasons for optimism, but which reactions are justified and which ones have gone too far?

by Jobe Morrison

Oct 6, 2026

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson during an NFL game.

David Banks-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears have made plenty of noise through the first quarter of the 2026 season, and with that success comes plenty of bold reactions. From the defense’s dominance to the running game’s emergence, there are legitimate reasons for optimism surrounding Ben Johnson’s team.

But not every take deserves the same level of confidence. Some reactions are backed by what the Bears have shown on the field, while others may be getting a little ahead of themselves. Here’s a look at three of the biggest Bears reactions and whether they’re reasonable or an overreaction.

Bears Have the Best Defense in 20 Years

Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety Xavier Woods (32) and defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (29) tackle New York Jets wide receiver Isaiah Williams (18) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The 2026 Bears defense has been on a roll since Week 2. Since then, Chicago has allowed just 217 yards and 9.3 points per game while ranking among the top five defenses in EPA. Needless to say, this is an extremely efficient unit that is pushing the Bears into legitimate Super Bowl contention.

There’s still a lot of football left to play. However, with roughly a quarter of the season in the books, it’s easy to see why this defense could eventually be compared to Chicago’s legendary 2006 unit. Yes, this is a defense playing at a truly elite level.

Verdict: Reasonable Reaction

Ben Johnson Could Take This Team to the Super Bowl WITHOUT Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson during an NFL game.

David Banks-Imagn Images

Hey, now. Johnson is an excellent head coach and an elite offensive mastermind. That can’t be stressed enough. However, even though this Bears offense has remained efficient, the cream of the crop often rises to the top when January arrives. Elite quarterbacks often find themselves leading the charge toward the Super Bowl.

That’s not a knock on Johnson’s ability or the quarterbacks backing up Williams. It’s simply the reality of the NFL, even if national pundits have been tossing this question around. This is 100%… an overreaction.

Verdict: Overreaction

Bears Have the Best Running Back Duo in the NFL

Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) reacts after making a touchdown during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai have both rushed for more than 300 yards this season, and the Bears are averaging nearly 200 rushing yards per game. Is this 2026 or 1926?

In all seriousness, Monangai and Swift are difficult to top when it comes to running back duos. Maybe someone could make an argument for the Robinson twins in Atlanta, but Bijan Robinson is doing most of the heavy lifting there.

Chicago’s duo has been efficient and dominant, even if neither back ranks among the league’s established “elite” individual runners. Together, though, they have given the Bears a legitimate one-two punch.

Verdict: Reasonable Reaction