The Chicago Bears are in better shape than they have been in a long time. Quarterback Caleb Williams and his team are facing a year of reckoning.

When there is hype surrounding an NFL franchise in the offseason, it can be a blessing or a curse. A year ago, the Chicago Bears were surrounded by hype, with fans and officials eagerly anticipating the start of a new era.

In the 2024 NFL Draft, quarterback Caleb Williams was selected with the number one pick. He is a strong playmaker with big ambitions, which he has no qualms about expressing in public.

And the start looked promising. After the first six games, the team had a 4-2 record, but then came a remarkable slump. They lost ten games in a row, and head coach Matt Eberflus was fired before the calendar even reached December.

While all three of their NFC North rivals, the Lions, Vikings, and Packers, made the playoffs, the Bears’ dreams of a successful season were over early.

Now, one year later, euphoria reigns once again in the Windy City. And not without reason. The Bears haven’t been in the playoffs since 2020, and have only made it five times in the last 20 years. In 2025, they are finally hoping to make a postseason run again.

But what have those responsible done to make fans and observers so optimistic?

Ben Johnson as savior

One of the biggest plus points is the new head coach. After Eberflus’ departure, those responsible were able to sign Ben Johnson. The same Ben Johnson who was previously offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, responsible for the powerful offense built around Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and co.

An offensive mastermind that Chicago desperately needs. With an average of just 284.6 yards, the Bears were the worst NFL team in terms of overall offense last season. By comparison, the Lions, with OC Johnson, averaged 409.5 yards, ranking second in the world’s best football league.

The signal caller has already made it clear that things are going well between Williams and his new head coach. “He uses a few choice words with me every day. He’s tough, and I love him. He’s great,” the 23-year-old raved at Fanatics Fest.

“It’s great to be around him. We hang out in his office and sometimes have lunch together. But it’s not just Ben Johnson. We have a staff of younger and older employees – we have a lot of experience, a lot of new energy from the coaches and the players. I think that’s great.”

Important reinforcements for the O-line

The signings of several players for his offense are particularly important for the quarterback. Last season, Williams was sacked a whopping 68 times in the regular season, more than any other playmaker in the NFL.

To prevent this from happening a second time and to give last year’s number one draft pick more time after the snap in the future, the team has signed four-time Super Bowl champion Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs. The guard was voted MVP of the Chiefs by his teammates last season.

But that’s not all. Jonah Jackson (from the L.A. Rams) and free agent Drew Dalman will also be wearing the Bears jersey in the future to protect Williams.

Strong players in skill positions

In addition to rebuilding the O-line, the Bears have also invested in pass receivers. In the draft, they snapped up tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III.

Loveland is expected to form an attractive tight end duo with Cole Kmet, while Burden will join DJ Moore and Rome Odunze to form a formidable receiving trio.

Meanwhile, the new head coach has found an old acquaintance to fill the running back position. D’Andre Swift, who previously played with Johnson at the Detroit Lions, is expected to revive the Bears’ running game.

“He’s a tough fighter, and I love that about him. When the lights come on, you know exactly what you’re getting. If you tell him you need a yard, four yards, or whatever, he’ll find a way and get it done for you,” Johnson promised big things.

The pressure is on Caleb Williams

The stage is set, the signs are promising, and the hype is real. But it’s all for nothing if the most important player on an American football team can’t capitalize on it. Last season, Caleb Williams was considered a hot contender for the Rookie of the Year award – but in the end, Commanders playmaker Jayden Daniels stole the show.

Williams has to deliver in 2025, and with such strong credentials, there are no more excuses. Williams racked up 3,541 passing yards in his debut season. In the history of the Chicago Bears, there has never been a single playmaker who has broken the 4,000-yard mark in a single season. So the goal for the 23-year-old is clear.

What’s more, the last active All-Pro playmaker at the franchise was decades ago. The Bears last had one in their ranks in 1950 with Johnny Lujack.

So now it’s time for Williams to prove his skills, break a magical mark and a team record, and ride the resulting hype wave through the season.

Then the team shouldn’t have to watch their worst rivals in the playoffs from the couch again as the bottom team in the NFC North.