Chicago Bears Get Huge Break From The League With Hall Of Fame Game Nod

When the NFL announced the Bears were chosen to participate in the annual Hall of Fame game this season the Bears were presented with a gift. Hopefully, they will take full advantage of what they have been given.

Due to collective bargaining, team practices are limited. Teams are only limited practice sessions that seem to get shorter every season. With an extra preseason game added to the schedule means extra time to install Shane Waldron's offense.

The offense will have no fewer than five new faces in the starting lineup: Caleb Williams, Keenan Allen, D'Andre Swift, Gerald Everett, and a new center. It would be foolish to think there will be no growing pains. This new nucleus of offensive talent needs as many reps before the beginning of the season to get them ready. Another slow start like the 0-4 record that doomed the 2023 team would have dire consequences for a team that played its best football toward the end of last season.

With a rookie quarterback set to start the year under center, the Bears will benefit from the extra week of practice during summer camp. Williams needs to use the extra time to mesh into Waldron's scheme. He will also benefit from having more time to work on his timing with a new set of receivers.

The Defense Should Be Ready From The Opening Whistle

Last season, the Defense was, in a word, offensive. They similarly began the season as the 2022 season. They were terrible in most phases of the game. Once Montez Sweat was added to the roster the defense started to gel. In fact, over the last six weeks of the season, Chicago's defense ranked first in points per game, rushing TSs allowed, and interceptions. The expectation is to pick up right where they ended the 2023 season.

Caleb Williams, or whoever will be the Bears' new QB, will step into a great situation with the talent GM Ryan Poles has added. Last season, there were only nine receivers to catch at least 90 passes, have more than 1,000 yards receiving, and score at least seven touchdowns. The Bears now have two of those nine players in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. The extra time the offense gets will be of great benefit to help start the season.

News and Notes

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The hybrid kickoff rule was passed and will begin this season. The league is hoping the change will increase the amount of kick returns. However, it has its drawbacks. Teams can no longer attempt a surprise on-side kick. On-side kicks will only be allowed in the fourth quarter and must be declared in advance.

Hip drop tackles are subject to a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down.

The league did not ban the "Tushp-Push" quarterback sneak.

The NFL Draft is now just 30 days away!