How 2025 Could Be a New Era for Chicago Football
Football in Chicago has been rough recently. They have been left out of the playoffs since 2020. There has been very little to get excited about in terms of production as the team has had a losing season every year since. Every offseason brings excitement that leads to very little. The hype was present this past offseason with the hiring of Ben Johnson, but is it enough to turn the tide around for this historic franchise?
Johnson brings a positive offensive approach that the Bears have not felt in many years. The team finally addressed one of the major weaknesses as the offensive line was revamped. In addition to this, the offense underwent many changes, resulting in a vastly improved weapons room. The wide receiver room has gone from thin and disappointing to being full of talented guys who could all challenge for serious playing time. The tight end room faces the same upside, which gives franchise quarterback Caleb Williams a plethora of options. 2025 has the potential to be the breakout year fans have been waiting for. This breakout would be a much-needed change of scenery, as Chicago has not had a quality offense for a while.
It is not only the offense that is set to get better. The defense, under new coordinator Dennis Allen, is set for major improvements in 2025. The weakest spot of last year was the defensive line, which has seen major improvements this year with the likes of Grady Jarrett. Despite the rising concerns about the lack of depth, the secondary remains a strength of the team. The linebacker room remains full of talent and upside as well. While 2024 was full of upset and disappointment, 2025 is set to be a much better year for the defense.
The talent added on may not be the biggest reason for optimism, however. The biggest and possibly most important addition was the coaching staff. Johnson brings his offensive potential and the warranted respect that ensures his players are motivated to play for him. Allen brings plenty of discipline and experience that can change the tone of the defense. The staff underneath those two is also full of talent and experience, such as Eric Bieniemy leading the running back room. These skills of talent, discipline, and respect are all areas the Bears have struggled with recently. With the deeper roster and fresh coaching staff, the foundation is laid for the team to finally take a step forward.
