Ben Johnson takes unusual step to prepare Bears for frigid Rams matchup

If preparation is the key to success, then Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson is the keymaster.

Sunday’s NFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams is expected to be one of the 10 coldest games ever played at Soldier Field, which means even Bears players must get ready for the icy temperatures.

Living in Chicago during the football season isn’t enough to really get ready. So Johnson implemented an extreme measure in practice: he removed the heaters.

Torture? Maybe. But, hey, it’s time to pull out all the stops for the Bears to have any chance at stopping Matthew Stafford and the seemingly Super Bowl-destined Rams.

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Stafford led the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns in 2025, but was hardly challenged by Mother Nature. That won’t be the case on Sunday, and if the Chicago Bears can gain an edge in their week of preparation — a true home-field advantage — then by all means, Ben Johnson, do what you need to do.

If the Bears-Rams Divisional Round game comes down to who’s more comfortable being uncomfortable, Chicago wants that answer settled before kickoff. The Bears are clearly intent on making the elements part of the game plan.

The Rams may begin Sunday as favorites, but the Chicago Bears are doing everything possible to ensure that when the cold hits hardest, it feels a lot more familiar to the team that prepared for it.

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