One key statistic could show just how much the Chicago Bears offense has improved

When the Chicago Bears hired Ben Johnson as head coach, the organization envisioned and hoped for early success.

Well, they got it.

The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was a hot commodity last coaching cycle, as he was viewed as the top candidate coming into last offseason. Johnson came from the Dan Campbell tree, who has completely turned around the Lions in just a few seasons.

Johnson had high expectations for himself and the rest of his team coming into his rookie season as head coach, and he delivered. Last year, the Bears won the NFC North for the first time since 2018 and won a playoff game in a thriller against the Green Bay Packers. They even took the stacked LA Rams to overtime in the divisional round, nearly pulling off the upset.

Bears QB Caleb Williams took significant strides after Johnson was hired. Williams threw for nearly 4,000 yards (3,942) and 27 touchdowns, all while leading this impressive offense.

It was a major step forward from his rookie season, as Williams looked more composed and shone as a leader. He was named captain again this year.

Now, where does the offense go from here? Outside of wideout D.J. Moore, most of the Bears starters on that side of the ball will return.

With the defense getting shaky reviews early on in camp, the offense may need to carry the load this season.

Could the Chicago Bears improve on their third-down conversion rate? This reporter thinks yes.

A key stat when evaluating offenses in the NFL is third-down conversion rate.

Last year, the Bears were at 42.7%, which was seventh in the NFL. It was also their third-best rate in franchise history, clearly showing the immediate impact that Johnson had on this team.

Can they get even better?

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune thinks so, as he was asked about the offense and how they can take another step forward in year two of the Ben Johnson era.

“Besides wins and points? I’ll go a little deeper into the weeds than looking at numbers that would apply only to quarterback Caleb Williams and the passing offense. What about third-down conversions? The Bears were at 42.7% last season, which was seventh in the NFL and third-best in franchise history, trailing only the 1989 (43.9%) and 1991 (43%) teams. The Bears have been above 42% only seven times in their history”

This was a huge accomplishment for the Bears last year. Third-down is the most crucial down in the sport and a major key to success within an offense.

Biggs added, “If Johnson’s offense can reach 45%, the Bears would be in the upper echelon of the league (only three teams accomplished that in 2025), it would be proof that everything on that side of the ball is clicking at a high level.”

I’d have to agree with him there. If they can continue the upward trajectory on this side of the ball, the sky is the limit for the Bears.

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