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Other NFL Team Previews (Ranked 14-32): Titans (32), Saints (31), Browns (30), Panthers (29), Jets (28), Giants (27), Raiders (26), Patriots (25), Colts (24), Dolphins (23), Jaguars (22), Falcons (21), Steelers (20), Cardinals (19), Cowboys (18), Seahawks (17), Texans (16), Bengals (14).
Leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, speculation was rife that Caleb Williams was hesitant about joining the Chicago Bears. While the team celebrated his selection with smiles, deep-rooted issues resurfaced during the offseason. As noted in Seth Wickersham’s book The American Kings: The Biography of a Quarterback, Caleb’s father Carl Williams bluntly stated, “Chicago is where quarterbacks die.” This harsh remark resonated given Chicago’s long history without an all-pro quarterback since 1950.
Williams’ rookie season was tough, hindered by a poor offensive line and coaching struggles. However, a positive outcome was the Bears’ recognition of these problems and efforts to fix them by steering Caleb away from a franchise that historically struggles with the passing game. Although initially hesitant to spend big on coaching, the Bears ultimately hired Ben Johnson, former Lions offensive coordinator, who is highly respected and expected to significantly boost Williams’ development.
Chicago also revamped its offensive line and added skill players like tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III through the draft, hoping to provide Williams with a stronger supporting cast. With a promising offensive coach, an improved offensive line, a talented group of receivers, and the top quarterback pick from the 2024 draft, the Bears seem poised to finally break the cycle if they can secure a 4,000-yard passing season.
Despite comparisons with other struggling franchises like the Browns, Commanders, Panthers, and Jets, the Bears’ struggles have a uniquely long history, with their last Super Bowl win dating back 40 years. The team has won only six playoff games in nearly four decades. Quarterback issues have been central to their woes — since 1963, only Jim McMahon (1985) and Mitchell Trubisky (2018) have been Pro Bowlers, with Trubisky’s selection being controversial. The franchise has never had a 4,000-yard passer or a season with over 30 touchdown passes.
Williams showed promise as a rookie, though inconsistencies and deep-throw inaccuracies limited his success. Still, his potential is evident, and with Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson tailoring the offense around his skills, there’s hope for marked improvement. Johnson’s successful offensive tenure with Detroit, where his teams consistently ranked in the top five, demonstrates his capability, although he acknowledges he must adapt his style to fit Williams’ unique talents.
The Bears’ offseason was marked by savvy moves, bolstering both offensive and defensive lines, including significant signings like defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. The team’s draft additions were well-received, and the roster now looks much stronger overall. If these changes don’t bring tangible improvements, it would be surprising.
Williams needs to improve consistency, protect the ball better, and avoid holding onto it too long—a pattern that led to a high sack rate last year. Offensively, balancing touches among multiple skill players like DJ Moore, Romaine Odunze, and Luther Burden III will be a challenge but also a sign of the team’s depth.
In the best-case scenario, new head coach Ben Johnson injects confidence and energy, leading the Bears to the playoffs and possibly the NFC North title, with Williams emerging as a legitimate MVP candidate. Conversely, if Williams fails to develop despite the strong supporting cast, the franchise risks repeating its prolonged struggles.
Based on current projections, the Bears are a team on the rise but face a competitive division. They are expected to remain in playoff contention through much of the season, with a promising future as a franchise to watch.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for NFL fans as it highlights the potential turning point for a historically struggling franchise now armed with fresh talent and coaching. Caleb Williams’ growth and the Bears’ resurgence could reshape the NFC North landscape and provide a thrilling story for the sport in the coming years.
