A casual fan's guide to the 2024/2025 Chicago Bears
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Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up as head coach Matt Eberflus (left) looks on prior to a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Photo: Rich Barnes/Getty Images
The Bears kick-off year three of the current rebuild with one thing on their minds: Playoffs.
The big picture: The young team had an exciting offseason, picking franchise quarterback Caleb Williams and securing other rookies and free agents to remake this year's roster.
- They were undefeated in the preseason for the first time since 1994.
Yes, but: Impressive rosters and preseason wins don't automatically equal success. The Bears have only won 10 games in the last two seasons, while suffering several demoralizing late game meltdowns.
State of play: On Sunday, you may find yourself invited to a party to watch the opener, knowing very little about this new Bears squad. Don't worry, I got you covered.
- Here's how to fake being an expert on the 2024/2025 Bears:
New look Bears: There are a lot of new faces, including a slew of coaches. Head coach Matt Eberflus returns though, with style. He's got a better wardrobe (thanks "Hard Knocks") and is now rocking a beard.
- A well-timed "Woah, who is that? Is that football Ryan Gosling?" should get a quick laugh and an offer for another beer when someone heads to the kitchen.
Caleb Williams: This will be the first NFL game for the first overall draft pick. He had a great preseason and he was even named a captain, something rarely given to rookies.
- When Williams comes on the field for the first offensive drive, start the chant "snap, read, throw." It's bold, but party-goers might join you in rooting on the quarterback to follow his progressions and get rid of the ball quickly.
- If he holds onto it and gets sacked, a "Justin could have done that" might also work. But be careful, Bears fans are drinking a lot of Kool-Aid right now.
Offensive line: A lot of the offense is riding on Williams, but he can't make plays if he's flat on his back. The offensive line didn't protect former quarterback Justin Fields, who was practically run out of town.
- If an offensive lineman makes a good block, a "give me some syrup with that pancake" will get a big laugh and probably get you invited to the fantasy football league.
Defense: The Bears defense is a bit of a mystery. Yes, they finished last season as a top five defense, but they also started last season as one of the worst in the league. Since defensive end Montez Sweat was traded to Chicago, the defense started to emerge and a healthy secondary could mean big plays.
- If Sweat makes a big sack, toss out a C&C Music Factory reference. This is a thinker, but once acknowledged, strangers will be asking for your number to add you to the group text chat.
Special teams: The Bears have a new punter. His name is Tory Taylor and he specializes in towering punts and pinning the ball near the opposition's goal line.
- Throw in a "I've never been so excited for 4th down" before they punt. You will become everyone's new sports best friend.
The bottom line: The Bears could be really good. But then again, fans have heard that before.
- The fact is that even though the Bears have gotten better on paper, they still have a rookie quarterback and a much tougher division sporting two playoff teams. The Lions have Super Bowl aspirations and Eberflus has yet to beat the Packers during his Bears' tenure.
- When you are leaving the party after the Bears get the victory on Sunday, a "Super Bowl, Super Bears!" shout will seal the deal. You will be crowned the best guest that party has ever had and you'll be invited back for the rest of the year.
What's next: The Bears host the Titans at Soldier Field at noon Sunday.
Go deeper: Five best new foods at Soldier Field