Many NFL writers and reporters are making their predictions known before the 2025 season, but what do some think about the unpredictable 2025 Chicago Bears?
Sports Illustrated NFL writer Albert Breer answered a fan's question on which team could go from worst to first in their division. While reviewing some teams, Breer highlighted the Bears, with quarterback Caleb Williams and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen are key figures in making it happen.
"The Patriots, Raiders and Giants should be better, but they’re looking up at the Bills, Chiefs and Eagles in their divisions. The Saints and Titans could be starting rookie quarterbacks, and are in divisions with repeat champions. So the Bears might be the surprise.
How would it happen? If everything comes together on the offensive line, Caleb Williams makes a Year 2 leap like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes once did, and Dennis Allen brings a talented defense together. J.J. McCarthy doesn’t live up to expectations in Minnesota, and the coaching staff drain hits Detroit harder than expected. Likely? No. Possible? I guess."
Could Williams and Allen make or break the Bears' 2025 campaign?
There has been a lot of talk about Williams and how he needs to make significant strides in 2025. Last year wasn't a horrible rookie debut for him with 20 touchdowns to six interceptions, but 68 sacks and 10 fumbles are not fun stats to have on the resume.
Not everything was on Williams, but new Bears head coach Ben Johnson must come in and assert a different-looking Williams in 2025. That includes changing Williams' demeanor after bad players and coaching him hard on improving his decision-making abilities.
Allen is entering his first season as defensive coordinator after a failed head coaching tenure with the New Orleans Saints. Back in his comfort zone, Allen has two new starters on the defensive line and a secondary that is back at full strength.
The Bears' defense a season ago was average at best, but it has to show improvement in 2025. Allen needs to bring out the best in their star edge rusher Montez Sweat and get him away from his 6.5-sack 2024 season and return to the 12.5-sack 2023 season.
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There are additional elements to the franchise that need improvement in 2025, but Williams and Allen can make a play at taking the bull by the horns and turning the franchise around. This is a Bears roster that is ready for a significant turnaround and to end their four-year playoff drought.