Analyzing decisions made by NFL teams is inherently an exercise in asking to be cold takes roasted down the road. Whether it's preseason picks, week-to-week selections, draft grades or commentary on coaching hires,

When new Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson was entering the 2024 season with the Detroit Lions, he was more concerned about what the Bears could do in the NFC North than any other opponent. He believed the Bears — who finished the season 5-12 — were “a sleeping giant.

Between them, Ben Johnson and Declan Doyle aren't as old as Pete Carroll. But Johnson identified the 28-year-old Doyle as the guy he wants supervising the Bears' offense.