The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2025 NFL season with renewed hope, high expectations, and one of the most scrutinized young quarterbacks in the league. After a strong rookie campaign from Caleb Williams and a busy offseason that included the hiring of offensive-minded head coach Ben Johnson, Chicago is now looking to take that elusive next step toward serious playoff contention.
The Bears didn’t waste any time reshaping their roster after finishing under .500 last season. Up front, they added new pieces to protect Williams, bolstering the offensive line through smart trades and targeted free agent signings. That’s something the franchise hasn’t done well in recent years, but it seems different this time. They’re building around their franchise QB, and it’s starting to take shape.
Williams finished his rookie season with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. It wasn’t a perfect year—there were some bad habits and a few avoidable mistakes—but he played with poise and gave the Bears hope for the future. Still, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport pointed out, “good” isn’t enough in Chicago anymore.
Rapoport’s comments on Williams this week drew a lot of attention. He claimed that for Williams to be truly great, he’s going to have to “embrace being miserable.” It’s a blunt assessment, but not entirely wrong. Becoming an elite quarterback in the NFL means more than talent—it requires sacrifice, grit, and an ability to thrive in difficult situations.
It’s not just about X’s and O’s. Rapoport emphasized that Ben Johnson, known for his success with the Lions, isn’t always the easiest coach to deal with, especially during the grind of the season. That challenge could be the exact thing Williams needs to push himself to the next level.
The early signs out of Chicago suggest that Williams is embracing the challenge. He reportedly asked for a tough coaching staff and wants to be held accountable. That mindset could make a big difference this year. There’s no doubt he has the arm talent and leadership potential—but the 2025 season will be about whether he can take a good rookie year and turn it into something great.
The NFC North is no joke. The Lions are tough, the Packers are improving, and the Vikings are unpredictable. For the Bears to take over the division, they’ll need Williams to elevate his game, and Johnson’s offensive scheme to hit quickly.
This season isn’t just about development. It’s about proving the Bears finally have a quarterback and a coach worth believing in. If Williams responds well to the pressure, Chicago could be a serious contender. If not, the cycle of mediocrity could continue. Either way, the spotlight is fully on Caleb Williams—and the real test starts now.
