Chicago Bears Aim for Rebound in 2025 After Disappointing 2024 Season
The Chicago Bears are entering the 2025 NFL season with renewed hope and a completely revamped leadership structure, aiming to erase the memories of a dismal 2024 campaign that ultimately fell far short of expectations. The previous season began with promise, fueled by the arrival of highly touted rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team initially showed signs of progress, posting a respectable 4-2 record in their first six games, igniting optimism among the fanbase that a turnaround was in the works.
A pivotal moment arrived in a highly anticipated Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders, a game that was billed as a showdown between Williams and Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the same draft. The game lived up to the hype, a back-and-forth affair that went down to the wire. However, the Bears’ fortunes took a dramatic turn when Daniels connected on a miraculous Hail Mary pass as time expired, snatching victory from Chicago and sending the team into a downward spiral.
That loss seemed to unravel the Bears’ season, triggering a devastating 10-game losing streak that exposed deep-seated issues within the team. The slide ultimately led to the dismissal of head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, marking a clear acknowledgement that significant changes were needed to salvage the franchise’s future.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Bears have made significant moves to address the shortcomings that plagued them in the previous season. The most notable change is the arrival of Ben Johnson as the team’s new head coach. Johnson, a highly sought-after coaching prospect, earned widespread recognition for his exceptional work as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. During his three-year tenure, he transformed the Lions’ offense into one of the most dynamic and productive units in the league, known for its creativity and ability to adapt to different opponents. The Bears are hoping that Johnson can bring a similar spark to their offense, unlocking Williams’ full potential and creating a more consistent and explosive attack.
Johnson’s hiring was just the first step in a comprehensive overhaul of the Bears’ roster. He has worked closely with general manager Ryan Poles throughout the offseason to identify and acquire players who fit his offensive scheme and overall vision for the team. A major area of focus has been bolstering the offensive line, which struggled mightily in 2024, allowing Williams to be sacked a staggering 68 times, the most in the league. To address this glaring weakness, the Bears made a significant investment in the trenches, adding three veteran interior offensive linemen: Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. These additions are expected to provide immediate stability and improved pass protection for Williams, giving him the time he needs to make plays.
The Bears also recognized the need to provide Williams with more weapons in the passing game. They addressed this need through the 2025 NFL Draft, using their first two picks to select promising pass-catchers Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III. Loveland, a tight end, is known for his receiving prowess and ability to create mismatches, while Burden III, a wide receiver, possesses the speed and agility to stretch the field and make contested catches. These additions will complement the existing talent at wide receiver, including DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, giving Williams a diverse and dynamic group of targets.
With Johnson at the helm and a revamped roster, the Bears are hoping to contend for a playoff spot in 2025. However, the path to the postseason will not be easy. The team faces a challenging schedule that includes matchups against some of the league’s top teams. The Bears will play their NFC North divisional opponents twice, as always, and will also face all four teams from the AFC North and NFC East as part of the NFL’s rotating schedule. Additionally, their final three opponents – the 49ers, Raiders, and Saints – were determined based on their fourth-place finish in the division last season.
The NFL is set to release the full 2025 schedule on Wednesday, May 14th, an event that has become a major offseason spectacle. The league will unveil the 18-week slate of matchups for all 32 teams, generating excitement and anticipation among fans across the country. This year’s schedule release will take place one day earlier than last year’s, which was held on May 15th. Fans can expect a similar release time as last year, when the NFL announced the full 2024 schedule at 8 p.m. ET.
As the schedule release approaches, Bears fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to plan their fall Sundays and assess the team’s chances of making a playoff run. While the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, the Bears have made significant strides in addressing their weaknesses and adding talent to the roster. With a new coaching staff, improved offensive line, and a plethora of weapons for Williams to utilize, the team is hoping to surprise the league and return to contention in 2025. The upcoming season will be a crucial test for the Bears, one that will determine whether they are on the right track to becoming a perennial playoff contender.
