For the first time in anyone’s memory, the Chicago Bears have what looks to be a formidable roster, especially on offense.
Caleb Williams, the dynamic University of Southern California quarterback who was the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, headlines an offense that also includes wide receivers D.J. Moore, six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen and No. 9 overall draft pick Rome Odunze from the University of Washington.
The Bears haven’t had a legitimate franchise quarterback since Sid Luckman. That’s right, that was back in the 1940s. Even when they won the Super Bowl championship in the 1985 season, they had a good-but-not-great signal-caller in Jim McMahon.
But now, ever-hopeful Chicago fans feel the Bears are poised for a return to the playoffs and possibly even an extended run there this coming season.
However, two CBS Sports NFL analysts aren’t feeling the optimism surrounding the team.
Bryan DeArdo feels Williams may not be all that, at least not right away, and he also cited how competitive the rest of the NFC North is as reasons why he feels the Bears won’t meet expectations this fall.
“Chicago’s wins over/under has been seen at 8.5, which seems a bit high,” wrote DeArdo. “I know that the Bears went 7-10 last year, and — at least on paper — Chicago is a much better outfit in 2024. While both of those things are true, I’m leery when it comes to putting too high of expectations on a rookie starting quarterback, which is what Caleb Williams will be this season. Add in the fact that they play in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions is another reason why I’m hesitant to buy too much Bears stock this season. Talk to me in 2025, after Williams has had a full season under his belt.”
Jordan Dajani feels the same way.
“Caleb Williams may end up being a star, but will he hit the ground running?” he wrote. “Chicago has a head coach fresh off the hot seat in Matt Eberflus, and a new offensive coordinator in Shane Waldron. Quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall haven’t surpassed six wins in their first seasons since Andrew Luck in 2012, and the NFC North isn’t exactly a cakewalk. The Bears Over/Under win total is set at 9. Is that too high?”
The Bears have a tough road ahead of them
Chicago will not only have to fast-track Williams for success, but it will also have to deal with rising teams in its own division. The Green Bay Packers became the darlings of the national media just months after trading away franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as Jordan Love, his replacement, emerged late in the season and led them to a spot in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
The Detroit Lions are the reigning NFC North champs, and after going 12-5 in 2023, they may have a bit of room for improvement this coming season. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings, like the Bears, have a rookie quarterback — J.J. McCarthy — but they also have lots of firepower in wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
But if Williams does reasonably well soon enough, don’t be surprised to see the Bears at least seriously challenge for a playoff spot. If he does so, the future should be very bright for them for the first time in many, many decades.
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