Bears $53 Million Investment Had One of Worst Week 1 Performances in the NFL
Monday night in Chicago was supposed to be the beginning of a new era for the Bears, particularly on offense, with their revamped offensive line taking center stage. Instead, their 27–24 loss to the Vikings felt all too familiar.
Jonah Jackson, brought in as a key part of that rebuilt interior, struggled badly in his debut. Penalties, blown protections and missed assignments made his first impression a rough one, and for quarterback Caleb Williams, it meant spending much of his 2025 debut running for his life.
The Bears were in control for most of the night, building a 17–6 lead before Minnesota stormed back in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t just one breakdown that flipped the game; it was a pile of self-inflicted mistakes.
Twelve penalties for 127 yards made sustaining drives nearly impossible, and too often it was the offensive line putting Chicago behind schedule. Jackson was flagged early and often, setting the tone for an offense that never looked settled.
Jonah Jackson’s Bears Debut vs. Minnesota Vikings Week 1 Was About as Bad as it Gets
For Jackson, the night unraveled almost immediately. Two false starts in the first half derailed promising drives and left Chicago’s offense playing uphill.
“We said going into Week 1 that the team that would make the least number of mistakes would win the game,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said after the loss. “Unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of that. We made too many there late in the game, myself included. There were a number of things that I could have done better, a number of things that a number of guys could have done better. When you look down at the stat sheet and you see 12 penalties, that’s got to get cleaned up in a hurry.”
Per PFF, Jackson played a total of 46 pass block snaps and 20 run block snaps. He allowed five hurries and was flagged twice, netting a 31.0 overall grade and an absolutely wretched 22.6 pass block grade, the latter of which was the second-worst amongst all guards who played more than two pass-block snaps.
Considering the fact the Bears just extended him, it was a disappointing debut to say the least.
Why Jonah Jackson Matters to Caleb Williams and the Bears’ Future
Chicago invested heavily in its offensive line this offseason to help give Williams stability in his second year and avoid a repeat of last season’s protection issues, when the team allowed a league-high 68 sacks. Paired with Joe Thuney and Drew Dalman, the goal is for Jackson to help anchor the middle.
After trading for Jackson this offseason, the Bears did something rather odd considering he hadn’t yet played a snap for them: they inked him to a $53 million extension with just under $30 million guaranteed.
The Bears don’t need perfection from their guards, but they can’t survive with constant first-and-15 situations, or with their quarterback forced to freelance on every series.
The Bears drafted Williams to be the face of the franchise, but even the most dynamic quarterbacks need protection to succeed. Jackson doesn’t have to be a star—he just has to do his job without making a ton of errors. If he can settle in, this group still has the potential to grow into what the front office envisioned. If not, the Bears and their fans could be in for more games like they had against the Vikings.
BREAKING NEWS: Kevin O'Connell Responds to NFL's Ban on Rainbow-Themed Gear
The NFL’s unexpected move to sever ties with Stonewall and impose a ban on all rainbow-themed gear has sent shockwaves through the league, sparking outrage among players, coaches, and fans alike. The decision, which aims to target the rainbow pride colors that have long been associated with LGBTQ+ rights, has raised serious concerns about inclusivity in the sport.
Kevin O'Connell, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, has become one of the most prominent voices opposing the NFL’s new policy. During a press conference, O'Connell expressed his strong disagreement with the league's actions, emphasizing that football should be a space that embraces diversity, not shuns it.
“This is a game that should represent everyone, regardless of who they are or who they love,” O'Connell said. “We should be focusing on inclusion, acceptance, and love. The NFL’s decision is a step backwards for the sport and for the community we are supposed to represent.”
O'Connell’s statement quickly gained traction on social media, with many fans and LGBTQ+ advocates praising him for speaking out. His comments reflect a growing movement within the league that believes sports, and especially football, should be a place where all individuals feel welcome.
The NFL’s decision has raised larger questions about the league's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and whether its actions align with its stated values. While some figures within the league have remained silent, O'Connell’s vocal opposition has prompted others to reflect on the importance of promoting inclusivity in professional sports.
As the debate continues to unfold, it is uncertain whether more coaches and players will follow O'Connell’s lead. His bold response positions him as a leader in the conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion within football.
The pressure on the NFL is building, and fans, players, and coaches alike will be closely watching how the league responds to the growing backlash. The outcome of this controversy could have long-lasting implications on the NFL's stance on LGBTQ+ issues and inclusivity across professional sports.
