ESPN’s Adam Schefter fires back at Bears ‘regression’ talk after 59-37 win

ESPN's Adam Schefter pushed back strongly against concerns that the Chicago Bears could regress in the 2026 NFL season. Speaking on "The Adam Schefter Podcast," Schefter responded to Ty Schmit's question about Chicago's Week 1 performance with a blunt message.

"Regress my a–. I mean, give me a break," Schefter said.

The Bears opened the season with a 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers . Chicago produced 552 total yards, including 291 rushing yards, while Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns.

Williams threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns while adding 65 rushing yards. D'Andre Swift rushed for 124 yards and three touchdowns, while rookie Kyle Monangai added 100 rushing yards.

Schefter pointed toward head coach Ben Johnson's approach as another reason for optimism. Johnson entered the season saying he wanted Chicago to become the NFL's highest-scoring offense.

"It's unbelievable, right? Like, what's incredible is that this is what Ben Johnson said," Schefter said, about the outside pressure surrounding his comments. "And when he said that he wanted to be the highest-scoring offense and set records, we all talked about the fact that he was just putting an even larger target on his back for the coming season."

Johnson's offense scored eight touchdowns and produced points in every quarter. The Bears also scored three straight touchdowns after Carolina tied the game 31-31 in the third quarter.

Bears offense gives Adam Schefter reason for confidence

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) with Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Schefter pointed to Johnson's repeated ambition. "We want to be the best… want to set the records. We want to win Super Bowls," Johnson said after the game, according to Schefter. "And it's a different message than we get from other coaches."

He thinks Johnson understands how to connect with fans while maintaining demanding standards.

"He understands this is entertainment," Schefter said. "This is part of the deal. People love to turn to football for their escape. They want to be brought in. They want to be amused. And Ben Johnson is providing incredible coaching and great entertainment and fun for the fans that follow the Bears."

Chicago's offensive structure offered more than just a high-scoring total. The Bears ran effectively, protected Williams and created opportunities through multiple skill players.

Johnson also praised Williams' preparation before the game. " I could kind of tell Saturday night when we did our quarterback meeting one last time that he was just on top of it," he said.

However, the defense remains a concern after allowing 478 yards and 37 points. That issue could matter against stronger opponents. Still, Schefter sees enough from Chicago's offense to dismiss early regression concerns.

"Do you doubt that they're going to make a run for the points record after 59 in Week 1?" Schefter asked, pointing towards the 2013 Broncos' NFL single-season record of 606 points. They had an offense that averaged nearly 38 points per game.

Schmit agreed, even admitting his Packers connection made the praise difficult. "This guy is awesome," he said of Johnson.