Last year's Chicago Bears' offense was a disaster, to put it nicely, and the hope is the 2025 unit will be much better off.
How bad was the Bears' offense in 2024? Chicago was ranked last in total offense (284.6), second worst in pass offense (181.5), 25th in rushing (102), and allowed the most sacks in the NFL with 68. Yeah, not a great year.
There's reason to be optimistic, as the Bears have a new head coach in Ben Johnson, and he has made significant changes to the offense. This appears to be a completely different unit around franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.
The most significant change came on the offensive line with three new projected starters. This alone is enough for some in the media to feel the Bears could challenge the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North.
How the Bears' offensive line is all Chicago needed to win the NFC North
ESPN hosted a roundtable article featuring all the NFC North beat reporters for each team, who answered several questions about the division. One of the questions that was brought up was, "Name an unheralded player or unit that will impact the division title?"
ESPN Packers beat reporter Rob Demovsky said the Bears' offensive line could make the difference. Chicago's three big moves on the offensive line during the offseason were the key to Demovsky liking what the Bears did.
"Chicago had to do something to help Williams, who was sacked a league-high 68 times last season. The Bears should have three new starters on the line with the addition of Thuney, Jackson and Dalman. This could give Williams the chance to show why he was the first overall pick in the 2024 draft."
Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson were all added to help Chicago protect the interior line for Williams. It will also help with the running game, which did not provide running back D'Andre Swift with many running lanes throughout the season.
The only returning starters from the line are left tackle Braxton Jones, who is still banged up with injury, and right tackle Darnell Wright. Both guys are secure in their starting jobs as long as Jones can recover and be ready for training camp.
Read more: Bears are sitting on a breakout star and the league has no idea
There wasn't a position group that needed more attention than the offensive line for Chicago. The team even selected offensive tackles Ozzy Trapilo and Luke Newman in the NFL Draft to provide youth and depth.
Chicago's offense will be heavily leaning on this offensive line to look better in 2025 so Williams can develop at the rate Johnson needs him to. On paper, this offensive line dramatically improved and should be enough to make Chicago contenders in the NFC North.