5 dream scenarios for the Bears in 2024
By Ryan Heckman
At this point in the offseason, fans are simply dreaming of the real thing. We cannot wait for the Chicago Bears to take the field, for real, in September.
Watching them trot out for the Hall of Fame Game in August will be a nice appetizer, followed by some preseason action of course. But, it's safe to say the fan base is ready to watch Caleb Williams, Keenan Allen and company get going for real.
When they do, will the Bears hit the ground running? Is this team truly set up for a magic-filled season with a rookie quarterback?
Let's say it all comes together. These dream scenarios might things make it all the more sweet.
1. Montez Sweat elevates the rest of the Bears' pass rush
We all know this by now. Last year, the Bears finished with just 30 sacks as a team, which was good for second-to-last in the league. Chicago didn't add much by way of pass rush help this offseason; just rookie fifth-round pick Austin Booker, who might end up starting opposite Montez Sweat eventually.
But, with a full offseason of work in the building, Sweat's impact could continue to elevate the rest of this unit. After the Sweat trade last season, we saw the entire defense come together and take a huge step forward, finishing the year as a top-10 unit.
If that trend continues, maybe we see a bigger year out of guys like DeMarcus Walker or even Dominique Robinson (assuming the latter makes the roster). Maybe, Booker ends up being a draft steal for the Bears. All of these are hypotheticals, but Sweat's impact could end up putting the Bears closer to the top of the league in sacks rather than the bottom of the barrell.