The expectations were high for the Chicago Bears' number one overall pick last year, quarterback Caleb Williams, but it ended up being a disaster.
Chicago had the worst offense in the NFL, averaging just 284.6 yards per game, and also had the second-worst passing offense in the league, with 181.5 yards per game. Williams was still able to throw 20 touchdowns to six interceptions while being sacked an NFL-leading 68 times, but nothing went right for the offense.
After a 2024 campaign marked by coaching changes and disastrous results, new head coach Ben Johnson has arrived to change the culture and provide Williams with the tools needed to succeed. Three new offensive linemen and five draft picks dedicated to the offense are the first step in the right direction for the Bears.
How will the 2025 season look for the Bears' offense, though? What's the best that can come out of it, and what's the worst?
Best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Bears' offense in 2025
Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballentine wrote about each NFL offense's best-case and worst-case scenarios for the upcoming 2025 season. Starting with the best-case scenario, Johnson can unlock Williams' full potential in his offense.
"The biggest objective for the Chicago Bears offense in 2025 is to come away from the season feeling much better about the No. 1 pick of the 2024 NFL draft.
That's why they needed to hire a great offensive mind in Ben Johnson as their next head coach. It's why they couldn't give Matt Eberflus another year at the helm.
From a personnel standpoint, the Bears made moves to address their biggest weaknesses last season. They are giving Williams a completely new interior trio on the offensive line with Jonah Jackson, Drew Dalman and Joe Thuney. They also added Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland through the draft.
If Johnson can seamlessly install his system, the Bears have the makings of a top-10 offense."
During offseason workouts, Johnson has been working closely with Williams and coaching him hard on his development. Williams has shown that he is willing to put in the work, as evidenced by his voluntary OTAs last week, which he attended alongside mostly rookies.
The focus for Williams is to ensure he improves his decision-making and makes quicker decisions. Being on time and in rhythm with his throws will help the offense and give Johnson more freedom to call every play in the playbook.
On the flip side, the worst-case scenario for the Bears' offense is that Williams becomes the problem. If the changes made don't positively affect Williams, it could be a disaster for Chicago.
"Williams was not a disaster as a rookie, but he didn't meet expectations. He was supposed to have the kind of impact Jayden Daniels did in his first year, but he finished 28th in total QBR and the Bears were 26th in EPA per play.
There were plenty of links on the chain of blame, but almost all of them have been changed. The coaching staff slate has been wiped clean. The offensive line has been remodeled.
The Bears would have to seriously reconsider their expectations for Williams if he doesn't thrive this season."
Read more: Bears former fifth-round pick ready to become breakout star in 2025
Chicago needs their starting quarterback to be the franchise player the team was hoping he would be. Williams got a pass for 2024, but 2025 will be a different story.