Ben Johnson: 'The Journey Isn’t Over — We’re Ready to Rise Above and Achieve Greatness'
As the Chicago Bears continue to face the challenges of the 2025 NFL season, head coach Ben Johnson remains resolute in his belief that success is built on perseverance. After a tough stretch of games, Johnson is urging his team to focus on the long-term goal and rise above adversity, setting the stage for what he believes will be a season of greatness.
“This game is all about perseverance. We’ve faced challenges, but that’s what makes success so sweet,” Johnson said in a recent interview. “I believe in every one of these players, and together, we’re going to rise above. The journey isn’t over — we’re just getting started.”
Johnson’s words carry weight as the Bears look to build on their strong foundation. Though the team has faced setbacks, including key injuries and tough losses, Johnson is not discouraged. Instead, he sees these moments as opportunities for growth. For Johnson, it’s never been just about the results of a single game but the broader journey of the team’s evolution.
The Bears’ offense has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been elusive. With a young and dynamic quarterback in Caleb Williams, along with an offensive line that is still finding its groove, Johnson’s leadership will be critical in helping the team find that consistency. The goal remains clear: to push forward, stay focused on improvement, and elevate the team to new heights.
“We’ve got a lot of talent in this locker room, but we know it’s not just about talent. It’s about mentality,” Johnson continued. “Every player on this team is committed to putting in the work, and we’ve got the mindset to rise above the challenges we’ve faced. The road to greatness is never easy, but we’ve got the right pieces in place to succeed.”
Johnson’s faith in his players has been unwavering, and it’s clear that he’s not just preaching perseverance but embodying it. His calm demeanor and focus on the bigger picture have kept the team grounded through tough times, and his ability to motivate his players has made a noticeable impact. The message is clear: no matter how tough the road ahead may be, the Bears are prepared to rise to the occasion.
As the Bears head into the latter half of the season, their playoff hopes are still alive. With a strong defense and an offense that’s continuing to grow, the Bears have the pieces they need to make a deep run. But it’s going to take more than just talent — it’s going to take perseverance, leadership, and the will to keep pushing forward no matter the obstacles in their way.
“The journey isn’t over,” Johnson said. “We’re just getting started. And I believe with everything I’ve got that we can achieve greatness together. It’s not about the setbacks; it’s about how we respond. And we’re going to rise above.”
With Johnson leading the charge, the Bears are poised to continue their journey toward greatness. The road may be tough, but with their resilience and unwavering determination, the Bears are ready to make their mark on the league.
Backing the Saints' Chris Olave among top NFL player prop expert's best bets for Week 8
Expert Alex Selesnick, who is up $3,003 on all prop picks since 2021, says to back the New Orleans receiver.
The NFL trade deadline is a little more than a week away, and among the more popular receivers being floated as possible trade candidates is the New Orleans Saints' Chris Olave. Reports have linked Olave with the Bills, Eagles, Giants, Patriots and Steelers, among others.
On some levels, the Saints moving on from the 25-year-old receiver prior to the Nov. 4 deadline makes sense. New Orleans (1-6) remains one of the worst teams in the league, and their timeline to rebuild the franchise into a NFC contender doesn't align with the Olave's prime, which is arguably right now. Also, he is signed only through the 2026 season. If the team does not feel confident in its abilities to extend Olave's contract, it would benefit from getting what it can for him from a receiver-needy team with Super Bowl aspirations.
But with every game this year, the price for Olave is going up. The 6-foot, 187-pound wideout is having a solid comeback season. After missing most of 2024 with multiple concussions, Olave leads New Orleans in virtually very important receiving category, including receptions (44), targets (71), receiving yards (440) and receiving touchdowns (three). He is on pace to set career highs in catches and touchdowns.
In the last two weeks, he has had six catches for 98 yards against the Patriots and five catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns against the Bears.
"I feel like I'm just getting in my groove, last game, this game," Olave said after last week's game. "So I feel like it's only going to get better."
SportsLine player prop expert Alex Selesnick believes Olave is in store for another big performance on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Selesnick, who is 1,014-805 and up $3,003 on all prop picks since joining SportsLine in 2021, has made Olave Over 61.5 total receiving yards (-118) one of his top three player props for Week 8 of the NFL season.
Selesnick notes that Olave has a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers. The Tampa Bay defense is giving up 229.0 passing yards per game, which ranks 21st in the league. That defense also will be without pass rusher Haason Reddick (ankle, knee), who already has been ruled out, and may be without lineman Vita Vea (foot), who is questionable.
"Olave's target share, targets per route run, first read target rate, and his expected points per game all point to untapped upside," Selesnick says. "In a matchup against a Bucs defense that has been a pass funnel and is missing numerous starters, this is a spot where Olave could deliver another strong performance."
But the speculation of the Saints' trading Olave may be a moot point. He has said that his representation and the front office have been discussing the terms of an extension "since the beginning of the year."
That will certainly make Saints fans happy, much like his play has.
