The Chicago Bears have been struggling to get back to the playoffs having missed out in the previous three seasons. Their last postseason appearance came in 2020 and that too with a record of 8-8. Since then, the last three seasons have seen them win just 6, 3, and 7 games respectively.
Chicago, however, has had a fantastic offseason this time around. Finishing 7-10, the Bears were never in contention for a first-overall draft pick but as luck would have it, they were holding on to the Panther’s first-round draft pick for 2024 which incidentally turned out to be the number one overall pick leading to their draft selection of generational talent Caleb Williams.
So, here are reasons why the Bears could be sleeper Super Bowl contenders this season.
Caleb Williams
After decades of unreliable quarterback play, it seems Chicago has finally hit the nail on the head with their new franchise QB. Last year, Chicago finished the season winning four of their last six games and looked like a much better team. With Williams now under center leading the charge, the Bears in theory look like an already improved team.
While Justin Fields was drafted by Chicago in 2021 with the eleventh pick of the draft as their then-franchise QB, he was never able to get the offense rolling. One of his major drawbacks was holding on to the ball much longer than needed and then having to scramble as the play broke down. Williams on the other hand will make something materialize in a Patrick Mahomes-like manner.
Of course, it will not be that easy, especially as the Bears are in one of the tougher divisions in football, but for Chicago to be a Super Bowl contender, they will need to have a season that is on par or slightly better than the one C.J. Stroud had with the Texans last year. To date, no rookie has made it to the Super Bowl and for good reason as winning the big game requires an all-around team effort. Chicago, however, finds themselves in a much better position in that regard.
Chicago Bears’ offensive weapons
Last year the Bears added DJ Moore to their receiving core but that was just the start of things to come. As mentioned, their 2024 first overall pick was well spent on drafting Caleb Williams, but Chicago did really well by drafting former Washington Husky wideout Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick.
Odunze spent four years playing for the Huskies and finished his last season with 1,640 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. His addition will add variety to the Bears’ offense this season.
Moreover, Chicago also bolstered its wide receiver room by adding Keenan Allen in the offseason who will not only provide a good veteran presence but will be an effective No. 2 behind Moore.
To round off the offensive star power, Chicago went out and got running back D’Andre Swift who is coming off his career-best year from Philadelphia in 2023. Of course, they also have tight end Cole Kmet who has been a steady presence in the offensive system for the Bears for the past three years.
Chicago Bears’ underrated defense
The Bears’ defense is truly underrated as it was a major factor due to which they won seven games last season. The addition of defensive end Montez Sweat midway through the season was a crucial one as he added six sacks in just nine games.
The Bears finished the 2023 season as the best-run defense team in the league while they equaled the 49ers for the top spot in interceptions with 22. The Bears’ defense really turned things around at the back end of the season as their young secondary stepped up in a big way.
In short, the Bears are heading in the right direction and if Caleb Williams has a season similar to the one CJ Stroud had last year, the Chicago Bears can surely be considered sleeper contenders for the Super Bowl.
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