It seems like Chicago Bears fans convince themselves every offseason that this is the year things get turned around, but 2025 really should be the year things start to improve for the better— at least offensively. The Bears hired offensive mastermind Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams is going into year two, the franchise invested in the offensive line, and Chicago also added more talented pass catchers like Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III.
The Bears may be coming off a five-win season, but expectations are high entering 2025, as they are expected to compete in a loaded NFC North. If nothing else, the Bears need to have a productive offense and Caleb Williams needs to take strides. While the franchise has done a lot to ensure those things happen, the offense is believed to still have one flaw that could lower the unit’s ceiling.
PFF recently ranked all 32 running back rooms in the NFL, and the Bears’ standing is proof running back is still considered a weakness for the team. Chicago’s running back unit was near the bottom of the list, ranked 30th.
PFF ranks Bears running back room 30th in the NFL
PFF’s Dalton Wasserman explained how this group is the remaining weakness for Chicago, on paper, because the only real change was the addition of seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai.
"If there is a remaining weakness for Chicago’s offense after a stellar offseason, it’s their running back unit. D'Andre Swift averaged just 3.8 yards per carry last season while earning a 65.7 PFF rushing grade. Roschon Johnson garnered a 76.0 PFF rushing grade, but he has tallied only 136 carries through two NFL seasons. The Bears also didn’t draft a running back until the seventh round, picking up Rutgers‘ Kyle Monangai."Dalton Wasserman (PFF)
This running back group being criticized isn’t a surprise to any Bears fans, and that’s why so many people were hoping Chicago would have the chance to land Ashton Jeanty or Nick Chubb. Neither move happened, so the Bears are moving forward with the running back room they have.
While expectations will be low for the group, it’ll be up to them to prove everyone wrong. If the offensive line is better, they will help the rushing attack elevate. The same goes for the hopefully improved passing game. All hope isn’t lost for the running back room, but the group will start the season with low expectations.