The Chicago Bears are a team headed in the right direction. They have the coach, Ben Johnson, who is going to get the most out of a roster loaded with talent. The offense, especially, has many highly talented players who should be able to help push forward in 2025 and beyond. Even the defense has a brighter outlook with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen at the helm.
But what it all boils down to is how well quarterback Caleb Williams does. After a difficult start in 2024 and an offseason that has seen the admittance that he didn’t want to come to Chicago, Williams has a lot left to prove to those who doubt him and those who believe in him.
Was 2024 a Fluke?
The Bears struggled in 2024, especially protecting Williams, who was sacked a record number of times. The offensive line was a shambles. Chicago went out and stocked up on offensive linemen and made itself better on the line. If that unit can remain healthy, it will represent a night and day difference between what we saw last year to what we will see this year.
Williams could have done so much better had he had time to throw the ball. We could already see what he could do in a few critical moments. 2024 was indeed a fluke, and he will be much better in 2025.
How Much Better will Williams be?
Caleb Williams
Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears spent a lot of time and money on the offensive side of the ball to help make that unit much better for Williams’ sake. The offensive line was improved to protect him; the receiving corps was given some additional weapons to provide him with outlets to throw the ball to. The running game wasn’t given a lot of improvement, but still, the Bears should be able to get something going there.
The real question mark is Williams. Will he be able to build upon 2024 and play better in 2025? He has the tools; he has the players around him, and he has the coaching staff that is good enough; he should be able to get where he wants to go.
Enter Ben Johnson
The Bears hired Ben Johnson specifically to be able to help their franchise’s number one overall pick at quarterback get better. Johnson will be the best thing that has ever happened to Williams. Williams, in turn, could and should be the best thing to ever happen to the Bears. Under Johnson’s tutelage and guidance, along with the offensive scheme, the Bears and Williams will be a much-improved team that should be playoff-bound.
The marriage between Johnson and Williams will be the most scrutinized quarterback/coach relationship in the NFL going forward. If Johnson can rescue Williams’ career and make him better, the sky will be the limit for the Bears.
Last Word on Johnson and Williams
Imagine a Bears team with a stellar offense. That would be a sight for sore eyes for Bears fans. They haven’t experienced such a thing. The Bears have a highly talented team, especially on offense. There aren’t going to be any excuses for poor performance on that side of the ball. Johnson is the kind of coach who is going to bring positive results to this franchise. And he’ll do it his way.
Chicago is about to experience a renaissance in the football world. Or they will continue sinking deeper into the abyss. Hopefully, Williams and Johnson, a strong team of two who should be able to win a lot of games together, will help bring the Bears to their goal: a Super Bowl.
Main Image: Kamil Krzaczynski – USA Today Sports