NFL Notebook: 2025 Chicago Bears Preview

It was late afternoon on October 27. The Bears were 4-2 and on the verge of closing out a win in Washington. Chicago appeared to be building on the progress they showed at the end of 2023 and looked poised to join the playoff race in a competitive NFC North.

Then it all changed. Jayden Daniels worked some magic. The Bears “responded” by falling apart. They suffered heartbreaking losses to Green Bay and Minnesota and an embarrassing no-show at home against New England. A Thanksgiving clock-management debacle in Detroit sealed the fate of head coach Matt Eberflus, who was fired shortly thereafter. The Bears stumbled to a 5-12 finish and once again found themselves starting over.

Ben Johnson now becomes the fourth head coach to get a shot since Chicago fired Lovie Smith at the end of 2012—a stretch in which the franchise has managed just one winning season. Will this year be any different, or will it be a new cast performing the same old script?

CALEB’S ROOKIE YEAR

Caleb Williams was the first overall pick in last year’s draft. The former Heisman Trophy winner played more like a game manager than a star. He avoided big mistakes, but averaged only 6.3 yards per attempt. His modest 63 percent completion rate can be chalked up to rookie growing pains, but the lack of downfield excitement was more concerning. You don’t use the first pick in the draft to get something you could find in a veteran retread like Case Keenum, whom the Bears signed in the offseason to be the backup.

Still, when a young quarterback arrives at a struggling franchise, it’s best to first look at what’s around him. And in that regard, the Bears were aggressive this offseason.

REINFORCING THE TRENCHES

Chicago revamped its offensive line in a big way. They signed Drew Dallman and traded for left guard Joe Thuney, both among the league’s best at their positions. They also acquired right guard Jonah Jackson, a steady performer. This trio joins solid tackles Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright.

Ben Johnson may be known for offensive creativity, but the new head coach clearly understands that innovation only works if you’ve got tough guys up front doing the dirty work.

On the other side of the ball, the defensive line is serviceable. Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett form a respectable interior, while Dayo Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat are steady on the edges. This isn’t a dominant unit—no one will mistake them for Dan Hampton, Richard Dent, and Steve McMichael—but it’s good enough to compete.

TROUBLE IN THE BACK SEVEN

What lies behind the defensive front is the bigger concern. Jaylon Johnson is an excellent corner and Kevin Byard is a solid free safety, but the holes elsewhere are glaring. The linebackers are especially problematic, with fourth-round draft pick Ruben Hyppolite II already projected to start.

Eberflus deserved criticism for his shortcomings as head coach, and he did appear in over his head. But it’s worth noting that defense was his background. Even with limited personnel, Chicago still finished 13th in points allowed. Whether new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen can replicate that with a more offense-minded staff remains a key question.

THE TARGETS

Last season, the Bears acquired veteran receiver D.J. Moore to help Williams. Moore caught 98 passes but averaged just 9.9 yards per reception. This year, Chicago invested its top draft choice in tight end Colston Loveland from Michigan. Loveland joins Cole Kmet, giving the Bears a respectable two-tight end set. That approach meshes with the rebuilt offensive line and with Williams’ conservative, game-manager tendencies from his rookie season.

CALEB’S SOPHOMORE YEAR

But in the end, Caleb Williams wasn’t drafted to be a caretaker—he was drafted to be a difference-maker. If he takes that leap in Year 2, the rising tide will lift all boats. Moore’s yards per catch will climb. D’Andre Swift, the veteran running back, will see his 3.8 yards per carry improve. Ben Johnson’s fate hinges on whether he can unlock his young quarterback’s potential. Coach and quarterback will rise—or fall—together.

OUTLOOK

Oddsmakers are optimistic about the Bears, setting their Over/Under win total at 8.5. On paper, I can see why. The offseason moves make sense, and if Dennis Allen can replicate Eberflus’s defensive results, the offense should drive improvement.

But I’ve been fooled by the Bears on paper before, only to see reality fall far short. At this point, I need to see results on the field before believing this organization has finally turned the corner.