Even with the uneasiness of the unknown before the season, Chicago Bears fans felt a presence in the Windy City with the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson.
With all the additions to the team made by general manager Ryan Poles, the Bears felt different from the 2024 team. There was a confidence that wasn't nearly there last year, despite the low expectations for this season.
Nobody could have predicted that the Bears would be 9-3, in first place in the NFC North, and be the number one seed in the NFC entering Week 14. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, though, knew the potential for this moment was there for the team.
"We got a special group here because we got so many guys who care. ... Early on, I felt we had a real shot. We just got to keep working to that."
This Bears team is truly special in so many ways
After having one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL last year, this Bears team is all of a sudden leading the league with 153.8 yards per game on the ground. This has been thanks to four new starters on the offensive line and rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai coming out of nowhere with two 100-yard games.
Despite the accuracy struggles in the past month, Williams has made major strides in his game that were major improvements from 2024. From his decision-making to taking fewer sacks, he has progressed well enough for many in the media to continue to sing his praises.
Chicago's defense has been slammed with multiple injuries throughout the season, with the first two months seeing the team without its top two cornerbacks, and now playing the last two games without its top four linebackers. This unit has somehow led the NFL in turnovers, with 26 created.
Read more: Ben Johnson sets the record straight on misunderstood Caleb Williams comments
All of this doesn't happen without Johnson's arrival and Poles' ruthless pursuit of adding talent to the roster. This Bears team seems poised for big things and is well ahead of schedule to make that happen.