I spend some time in barrooms, more specifically the barrooms of Queens, NY. And not a session goes by where someone - usually an Irishman - doesn't ask me, "How are the Bears gonna be this year?" For years, my standard response has been, "Eh, who knows?" But this year I have tweaked that response to..."I think they're gonna be pretty good!" But that's not really a sufficient answer so here are a few other things I'm thinking as the calendar turns to July.
(1) I think we're going to know a lot about the relationship between Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams in the early days of camp. Initial reports out of Halas Hall are EXTREMELY good; the two men are sporting a noticeable rapport around the building. But that rapport and $5 will get you a ride on the blue line to O'Hare. If the 2025 Chicago Bears are going to be playing in the tournament come early 2026, they can't spend the entirety of summer working out the kinks. They need to look the part, quickly.
(2) I think this roster still has a glaring hole when it comes to the pass rush, but I don't think it's a debilitating hole. The Bears had more sacks than the Chiefs, Lions, and Bills LAST year, and they have significantly upgraded their defensive coaching staff and DL talent. The most important things to track at camp (to the degree we'll be shown anything of value) is how Dennis Allen is utilizing his DL personnel. The second most important thing to track will be the health of Montez Sweat. Sweat dealt with a myriad of injuries in 2024 and has had health concerns since entering the league. The 2025 Bears need him at full strength.
(3) I think I want to see this team with a new attitude. Normally that feels like a meathead talking point, but this is an organization that has just gotten so used to losing. I want to see a little pissed off. I want to see a little desperation. And if I hear the word "patience" uttered a single time from Lake Forest, I promise you I'm going to scream about it.
(4) I think D'Andre Swift is going to have a substantial season. With this offensive line, with these weapons on the outside, with this playcaller...there is going to be serious production from the running back position if the team is having any success. Where is that production coming from? A chronically injured short yardage back? A 7th-round draft pick? My money is on Swift.
Long story short: I think they're gonna be pretty good! I think they are going to play meaningful football games after Christmas. And I think there is a scenario where they can be even better than that.
