2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 7-10

It was the final year of the Justin Fields experiment last season. After an injury, we also saw plenty of Tyson Bagent in Chicago, which is less than ideal. The Bears lost four in a row to begin the season before putting 40 points on the Washington Commanders. The low-water mark for Chicago was 3-8 after a close loss in Detroit but the Bears rebounded to finish strong. Chicago win four out of six to end the season. Matt Eberflus is still the he’d coach but the Bears overhauled the roster on the field in many ways.

2024 Chicago Bears Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: QB Caleb Williams, WR Keenan Allen, WR Rome Odunze, RB D’Andre Swift, TE Gerald Everett, OT Jake Curhan, OG Matt Pryor, C Coleman Shelton, OT Kiran Amegabjige

Key Losses: QB Justin Fields, RB D’Onta Foreman, WR Darnell Mooney, TE Marcedes Lewis, OG Cody Whitehair, C Lucas Patrick

The rumors of the Bears trading the first-overall pick in the draft quickly evaporated. It was clear that Caleb Williams was going to Chicago in hopes of being the next franchise quarterback. He was named the starter just weeks after the draft and the new era was on. Chicago focused hard on offense during the offseason and it continued in the draft after Williams.

The Bears drafted Williams and wide receiver D.J. Moore was already in place. He now has a new four-year extension with the team. Prior to the draft, Chicago signed veteran Keenan Allen after he as let go by the Los Angeles Chargers. To complete the trio, Chicago used its second Top 10 pick on Washington WR Rome Odunze. Now, the Bears have an elite group of receivers for their rookie quarterback.

The wide receivers are set in stone and other skill positions are also in a good spot. The Bears improved in the backfield by landing D’Andre Swift in free agency. He signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles last season and showed his value. Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson provide necessary depth and versatility in the backfield. Cole Kmet is slotted back in his tight end role as well.

Williams comes to Chicago in a great situation, which is not typically the case for the first-overall pick in the draft. The offensive line is young and unproven. Braxton Jones will be the anchor at left tackle but missed some time last season. The 25-year-old still has some room to improve. The same can be said about Darnell Wright, who was average at best last season. Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis struggled with injuries last season at the guard positions. When healthy, the line is far better.

The offense had a complete overhaul, especially on the outside, and this has led to high hopes for Williams and the unit as a whole. Will it come to fruition right away?

Defense

Key Additions: S Kevin Byard, S Jonathan Owens, DE Austin Booker, DE Jacob Martin

Key Losses: DE Yannick Ngakoue, DT Justin Jones, S Eddie Jackson

The trade deadline addition of Montez Sweat was a big splash for the Bears. They agreed to a contract extension and this gives the team an elite pass rusher for the foreseeable future. This was an area that needed a major upgrade and this was step one.

The pass rush was nonexistent for the Bears last season. DeMarcus Walker had just 3.5 sacks last season. Outside of Sweat, the Bears were expected to make more moves on the edge but focused elsewhere.

The secondary improved once Jaylon Johnson returned from injury. He is one of the better cornerbacks in the division and gives the defense an immediate boost. Terell Smith showed flashes while Kyler Gordon was strong in the slot. Like the edge, the corners bring a few question marks. In the secondary, the Bears brought in Kevin Byard and Jonathan Owens.

The strength of the Chicago defense is the linebackers. TJ Edwards was among the league leaders in tackles last season. Tremaine Edmunds did not perform up to expectations last season but is expected to be better in 2024. On the other hand, Edwards was better than expected.

Schedule

Week 1: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 2: at Houston Texans – Sunday Night Football

Week 3: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week 5: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 6: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – London

Week 7: BYE WEEK

Week 8: at Washington Commanders

Week 9: at Arizona Cardinals

Week 10: vs. New England Patriots

Week 11: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 12: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 13: at Detroit Lions

Week 14: at San Francisco 49ers

Week 15: at Minnesota Vikings

Week 16: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 17: vs. Seattle Seahawks – Thursday Night Football

Week 18: at Green Bay Packers

Record Prediction: 8-9