by Sean Allen
The Chicago Bears’ 2024-2025 season has proven to be difficult, illustrating a franchise undergoing change. Holding a 4-9 record after their week 14 loss to the 49ers, the team has clinched last place in the NFC North, significantly behind the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers. This extends a postseason dry spell that has left fans disheartened.
The season started with high hopes and significant expectations after the Bears drafted Caleb Williams, dubbed by many as a “generational quarterback prospect,” with the #1 overall pick. Williams has flashed at times, showing growth and the elite skills for which he was drafted, passing for over 2,600 yards so far in his rookie season. Nevertheless, the offense has had trouble with reliability, sitting near the bottom of the league in scoring. Even with new players like running back D’Andre Swift and experienced tight end Gerald Everett, the team has failed to make the most of its potential.
Defensively, the Bears have encountered an array of difficulties. Although the unit has experienced instances of solid performance, the failure to reliably halt opposing offenses has been a persistent problem. The defense is near the bottom of the league in total yards allowed, which highlights their challenges. To create some change, the Bears severed ties with head coach Matt Eberflus after their Thanksgiving loss to the Lions and elevated interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown to interim head coach, indicating not only a change in leadership, but a change in strategy and overall approach.
General Manager Ryan Poles will enter a crucial offseason as he attempts to revamp the roster and coaching staff yet again. For fans, this season has been a trial of endurance, but there are grounds for hope. The emergence of young players such as Williams, Rome Odunze, and DJ Moore, along with ample cap space for the 2025 season, might establish a basis for success. Nonetheless, the team must tackle its offensive line problems, enhance defensive reliability, and cultivate a victorious culture to regain competitiveness.
As the season winds down, the emphasis will be on assessing the roster and getting ready for another vital offseason. Although 2024 hasn’t met expectations, it might act as an essential phase in the Bears’ long-term rebuilding process. Key focuses involve acquiring impactful players via the draft and free agency, improving defensive stability, and selecting the right head coach to guide a rebuilding process. By implementing these measures, the Bears can optimize a challenging season and set themselves up for a more promising future.
