Three Reasons For Optimism And Three Reasons For Concern For The Chicago Bears
The Bears have been a rebuilding franchise for the past two seasons, and they could see their hard work pay off this year. In this article, we'll focus on three reasons why the Chicago Bears are not just likely but poised to meet expectations and three reasons why they might not.
1) Reason For Optimism: Improved Offensive Supporting Cast
After being viewed as one of the worst receiver rooms in the league over the past two seasons, Chicago arguably has the best now with the additions of Keenan Allen via trade and Rome Odunze via the NFL Draft, joining star D.J. Moore.
They also added running back D'Andre Swift, one of the league's best pass-catching backs, through free agency and upcoming running backs Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson.
Tight end Cole Kmet is being joined by big play threat Gerald Everett, one of the top tight ends with the ball in his hands and blocking savant Marcedes Lewis. Quarterback Caleb Williams will have many weapons to throw to in his inaugural season.
2) Reason For Optimism: Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams
The weapons are in place for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Still, for the Bears to take that next step as a playoff contender, Caleb Williams will need to perform at the expectations placed on him as a generational talent.
Williams was elite in his college career. He passed for 120 touchdowns and 9,782 yards, completing 66.9% of his passes, and added 966 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground in three seasons at Oklahoma (2021) and USC (2022-23). Williams also won the Heisman trophy in 2022.
3) Reason For Optimism: The Bears Defense Continuing To Be Elite
The Bears' defense took a massive step forward after acquiring edge Montez Sweat. They improved from the 28th to 20th scoring defense, 23rd to 12th in yards allowed, and 22nd to 3rd in takeaways. Having a defense that forces turnovers and gives the offense good field position will make rookie quarterback Caleb Williams' job easier.
4) Reason For Caution: The Health Of Teven Jenkins
Chicago has a promising offensive tackle duo in Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright, but I have questions about the interior of the offensive line, specifically left guard Teven Jenkins. When healthy, he's a dominant run blocker, grading out as the fourth-best per PFF and the 13th-best offensive lineman in the NFL, and he has improved every year as a pass blocker. Sounds good until you look at his injury history where he's missed 18 games since his rookie season.
5) Reason For Caution: The Defensive Line Depth
While the Bears' defense took a massive step forward by adding Montez Sweat, the defensive line still has questions at the edge across from Sweat. It will need more consistency from second-year defensive tackles Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens. Both flashed playmaking, but the consistency from game to game isn't there yet.
6) Reason For Caution: Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams will be the ultimate deciding factor in how the Bears' 2024 season will go. While he is one of the best quarterback prospects of all time, and his talent is undeniable, he's still a rookie quarterback. You never know how players, especially quarterbacks, will fare early on in their careers. If Williams starts off slow, the Bears could fail to meet expectations.
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