Everyone appears to be on the same wave length regarding the Chicago Bears: they have gotten better. Much better.
NFL.com had seven analysts come together in an article to name the non-playoff team that made the biggest leap from the 2024 season. Three of them had the Bears listed, with the central theme being head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams.
"Sometimes the easy answer is also the correct answer," Kevin Patra said. "The Bears completely revamped their biggest areas of weakness in one offseason: The coaching staff and offensive line. Ben Johnson brings the potential to unleash the most dynamic offense Chicago has ever seen -- not hyperbole. A year ago, the offensive line was full of question marks that inevitably wouldn’t pan out. General manager Ryan Poles went out and paid handsomely for proven veterans. If they stay healthy, the line goes from a liability to an asset. It’s all set up for Caleb Williams. For the Bears to capitalize on all the positive offseason vibes, the second-year quarterback needs to have a Year 2 leap."
"It's hard to find any franchise that did more to improve itself than the Bears," Jeffri Chadiha said. "They hired a bright offensive mind in Ben Johnson to help quarterback Caleb Williams reach his potential. They rebuilt the interior of the offensive to make sure Williams is protected after he was sacked 68 times as a rookie. Finally, the draft supplied two more talented weapons, with tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III coming in the first two rounds. In short, Chicago should have better coaching and a better roster. That should be enough to help the Bears find a playoff spot despite playing in the ultra-competitive NFC North."
"After wasting Caleb Williams' rookie year, the Bears attacked the offseason with the mindset of building around their franchise quarterback," David Carr said. "Williams has to feel confident with Ben Johnson calling the plays, a revamped offensive line and several new weapons at his disposal, including first-round TE Colston Loveland. With those major changes to the coaching staff and offense, and the defense adding key pieces to its front, Chicago is in good position to vie for first place in a loaded division."
Bears fans being set up for a great season or absolute heartbreak?
There is a lot to be excited about with the Bears. Johnson is number one on the list as he brings his creative brand of play calling and his tough-nosed approach to coaching that would be appreciated by the fan base.
Williams improving in his second season with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet back to throw the ball to as well as new additions Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III there to help. The potential is there for Williams to make franchise history as the first 4,000-yard passer.
Another thing to be excited about is how the Bears got better in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The interior offensive line has three new starters, joining a unit that allowed 68 sacks last year. Chicago's defensive line added two players in free agency and one through the NFL Draft.
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Bears fans want to forget about the nightmare of their 5-12 record from last year. The talent level on the roster is there with the coaching staff ready to coach them hard to create a new culture in Chicago.