With a new coaching staff and the potential emergence of the star quarterback, expectations are elevated this season for the Chicago Bears. General manager Ryan Poles brought in former Detroit Lions head coach and offensive genius Ben Johnson.
Along with Johnson comes a sense of confidence and composure that second-year quarterback Caleb Williams will not become another draft bust. The Bears not only filled holes on their roster through free agency (Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney, and Grady Jarrett), but they also drafted wisely for depth (Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III, and Zah Frazier).
Chicago was the only team in the NFC North last season to not make the playoffs. In fact, they haven't qualified for the postseason since 2020 and have only done it three times in the past 20 years (2010, 2018, 2020).
If they look to change that, there are three things that the Bears can get right during training camp.
1. Establish WR2 Behind DJ Moore
Caleb Williams threw for over 3,500 yards during his rookie season last year. Given the 140 targets and 98 receptions to the Bears' top wideout, his favorite target was clearly DJ Moore.
The 28-year-old receiver almost eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving. The second-highest total (744 yards) came from veteran Keenan Allen, who is no longer with the team and remains a free agent.
A close third was another rookie in Rome Odunze. He, too, was drafted in the first round during the 2024 NFL Draft, just like Williams. With Allen out of the picture, the Bears selected Luther Burden III in the second round of this year's draft.
Tight end Cole Kmet racked up 474 yards without missing a game. Chicago still chose to add another player at the same position with the tenth overall pick in April.
When it came to passing yards per game, Chicago had the second-lowest average with 181.5, only better than New England. The Patriots also featured a rookie quarterback during their 2024 season. Thus, the Bears' goal in training camp should be to determine who will help support and complement Moore downfield.
2. Bears' Offensive Line Has to Be Better
Chicago's protection for its quarterback was atrocious. The team gave up 68 sacks in Williams' first 17 games.
Luckily, the Bears' quarterback was still able to complete more than 62% of his passes while only throwing six picks. However, the offensive line still has to improve and do better.
Chicago's run game also suffered from a down 2024 season. After being one of the top five run offenses in the league for the two previous seasons, the Bears were a bottom-ten offense and failed to produce a 1,000-yard rusher last year.
Both Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney were brought in during the offseason. Jackson is expected to start at left guard and Thuney at right guard. Former Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman will be plugged in the middle where Coleman Shelton was last year.
Ryan Bates was his backup but has been moved to left guard on the depth chart to make room for Doug Kramer, Jr. to back up Dalman. Third-year player Braxton Jones had his 2024 season cut short due to an ankle injury that required surgery. He is the projected starter at left tackle.
That leaves the possibility that Darnell Wright will start at right tackle for the Bears. Chicago can see if offensive tackles Ozzie Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie can prove why they were worth second-day picks in the past two NFL drafts.
3. Bears' Run Defense Needs Answers
Though Chicago had an average passing defense last year, which allowed 217.9 yards per game, the team fielded a bottom-five run defense. The Bears gave up 136.3 rushing yards per game.
Their new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, was the New Orleans Saints' head coach for most of last season. Allen's former team actually did worse than Chicago in that category with 141.4 yards per game.
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett was signed to join Montez Sweat and Tremaine Edmunds. Rookies Xavier Carlton and Jereme Robinson can state their case for playing time during training camp. Three more rookies, including Shemar Turner, and two linebackers may also change their current spot on the depth chart before Week 1.
Either way, if Chicago wants to make the playoffs, the push starts now. Establish your second receiving target, secure your offensive line, and have your run defense in check.