The last-ranked offense in the NFL in 2024 was enough to push the ownership to make swift changes to the Chicago Bears' coaching staff and offense.
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson came in to a renovation job with the offense, as his goal was to build the best unit possible to surround second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Johnson seemed to have accomplished that with three new starting offensive linemen and two rookie pass catchers at Williams' disposal.
On paper, it appears the Bears have everything they need to make a legitimate playoff push. Will the moves made on offense be enough to gain the confidence of the fan base and ownership group?
Biggest training camp question for Bears in 2025
Sports Illustrated NFL writer Matt Verderame wrote a deep dive training camp preview of the Chicago Bears entering training camp. One section there asked the biggest question for the Bears: "Does this offense have enough?"
"Williams was solid in his first year and Johnson is one of the league’s most creative play-callers. That said, Johnson has never been a head coach, and Williams has to prove he can avoid sacks while not missing the easy throws.
Furthermore, the Bears will have to rely on a pair of rookie weapons in tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III, who are both coming into sizable roles. With both battling injuries this spring, can Loveland and Burden be ready to play meaningful snaps early? Or will Johnson be forced to ease them in while relying on veterans better suited as backups?"
The Bears' roster is filled with talent and potential NFL stars, but they are entering a whole new offensive system with a different mindset. Johnson is going to want to run the ball more, so D'Andre Swift could see a bigger role and must perform after averaging a career-low 3.8 yards per carry last year.
Williams had glimpses of success towards the end of the season, finishing 2024 with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. He did, however, surrender 68 sacks and 10 fumbles, which are the most significant issues with the offense. Johnson needs to work with Williams on improving his quick decision-making to avoid sacks and turnovers.
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While the injuries to Loveland and Burden are a concern, the Bears have done a nice job building enough depth to be okay. Cole Kmet is still a solid starting tight end when he can stay on the field and the Bears added Olamide Zaccheaus at wide receiver so he could fill in for Burden at slot receiver alongside D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze in the starting lineup.
The question about the offense won't be answered until the first few weeks of the regular season, but with all the work Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles have done with the roster, anything less than a top 15 finish would be considered a failure for the offense. And that might be keeping expectations too low.