The Chicago Bears had a successful offseason, demonstrating potential for a breakout 2025 campaign.
From their work on the offensive line to picking up four young, talented players from the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears are set up for success. This winning formula has been used in the past with personal experience having a lot to do with the moves made.
Sports Illustrated senior NFL writer Albert Breer shared his one takeaway from each NFL team's offseason. Breer complimented the Bears for the moves they made on the offensive and defensive lines, something new head coach Ben Johnson saw firsthand when he was with the Detroit Lions.
"I like how the Bears followed the blueprint their head coach, Ben Johnson, used to win in Detroit. First and foremost, building up the offensive line was accomplished through trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as the free-agent signing of center Drew Dalman. Chicago also upgraded its defense, bringing in Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett. Ultimately, where this season goes and how it’s judged will likely be determined by the progress of quarterback Caleb Williams under Johnson."
If it ain't broke, the Bears shouldn't fix it
Over the last three years, the Lions have followed the same strategy as the Bears did this offseason in building the lines up to win in the trenches. It's a common practice that the Philadelphia Eagles also followed to win the Super Bowl last year.
Johnson played a key role in making this strategy work as the offensive coordinator for the Lions. His offensive line did a great job in protecting Jared Goff and giving him time to run the offense to perfection. Goff was also good at making quick decisions and making something out of nothing.
That last part is something Johnson is working on with the second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears' offense deserves some blame for the 68 sacks they surrendered last year, but Williams also had trouble just holding on to the ball for too long. Williams needs to follow the blueprint of Goff's success as well.
Last year's 32nd-ranked offense struggled to run and pass the ball due to issues on the line. Thuney is considered one of the best guards in football with three straight Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. Jackson is familiar with Johnson's offense, having been in the scheme with the Lions in 2022 and 2023. Dalman adds some youth on the line at 26 to give him and Williams a good quarterback-center connection for a long time.
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Like Breer mentioned, it all falls on Williams and Johnson working side by side and getting the franchise back on track. If they aren't on the same page, the Bears could hit a setback that isn't needed with a much-improved roster in 2025.