The Bears '25 preseason

[Lake Shore Drive]

I figured it's time to start a new post-draft thread which will lead up to the start of the '25 campaign. Until rookie camps, followed by team camps commence, we're kinda in limbo land here. Outside of the rumor that we may or may not sign Nick Chubb, about the only info that is generating any ink are all those preseason power rankings, such as this one here by the USA Today:

NFL power rankings: Where all 32 teams stand following the 2025 draft

With the 2025 NFL draft now in the books, it's time to take a look at where all 32 teams slot the season now only four months away.

www.usatoday.com

19. Chicago Bears (16): Did you know they haven't won a playoff game in 14 years? Perhaps the organizational penchant for disarray quells what looks like a very good team on paper – for the second year in a row. But let's give highly recommended rookie HC Ben Johnson and his new staff a year to settle in before they're forced to prove these aren't the same old Bears.

Most of the rankings I've seen have the Bears in the 16-18 range, with this one just a tick lower. It also points out, perhaps accurately, that our boyz may need a year to settle in with the new staff, as well as a roster filled with plenty of new faces. I imagine there will still be some important changes to come, with various team cuts and post-cut signings, for most of the league. Oh, and the fact that it's been 14 years since we've won a playoff game? Talk about pathetic.

 

[Beengay fudgepackers]

I figured it's time to start a new post-draft thread which will lead up to the start of the '25 campaign. Until rookie camps, followed by team camps commence, we're kinda in limbo land here. Outside of the rumor that we may or may not sign Nick Chubb, about the only info that is generating any ink are all those preseason power rankings, such as this one here by the USA Today:

NFL power rankings: Where all 32 teams stand following the 2025 draft

With the 2025 NFL draft now in the books, it's time to take a look at where all 32 teams slot the season now only four months away.

www.usatoday.com

19. Chicago Bears (16): Did you know they haven't won a playoff game in 14 years? Perhaps the organizational penchant for disarray quells what looks like a very good team on paper – for the second year in a row. But let's give highly recommended rookie HC Ben Johnson and his new staff a year to settle in before they're forced to prove these aren't the same old Bears.

Most of the rankings I've seen have the Bears in the 16-18 range, with this one just a tick lower. It also points out, perhaps accurately, that our boyz may need a year to settle in with the new staff, as well as a roster filled with plenty of new faces. I imagine there will still be some important changes to come, with various team cuts and post-cut signings, for most of the league. Oh, and the fact that it's been 14 years since we've won a playoff game? Talk about pathetic.

I think we make a huge jump. Most of the struggle comes from the starting QB, but I think Caleb is different. I bet this offense is humming by week 4 and we make the playoffs.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

I think we make a huge jump. Most of the struggle comes from the starting QB, but I think Caleb is different. I bet this offense is humming by week 4 and we make the playoffs.

Those first few weeks will be telling. If we can get off to a decent start offensively, it could carry us all season long. There's no doubt we have the weapons and our protection has definitely been improved. The question now is how quickly will it all gel.

 

[wood20ks]

The question now is how quickly will it all gel.

As I said last season,theres a lot of players who want the rock and theres not enough to go around.....
It will take them a bit to know their jobs.....
I just hope DJ doesn't pull his whiny self and walk off the field again in the middle of a play if this happens......

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

The one thing I want to touch upon maybe contradicts my original take, which involves Ben Johnson and his penchant for utilizing the 12 personnel in a sizable portion of his plays. Way back when the intial rumblings started that the Bears might use the 10th pick on the TE position based on Johnson's usage of the two tight ends, I pointed out that the vast majority of actual plays targeted only Sam LaPorta, that the other TE was there strictly for blocking. All one has to do is check out the stats to confirm this.

While this approach may not radically change with the Bears, there is a major difference here. Unlike with the Lions, when the Bears trot out their two TEs, BOTH will be potential targets. It doesn't necessarily mean Johnson will send both out, altho I can see at times where this does happen. But what it will do is force the opposing D to treat both players as realistic targets. They won't have the luxury of focusing primarily on one. I think Johnson can and will exploit this thruout the campaign.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

As I said last season,theres a lot of players who want the rock and theres not enough to go around.....
It will take them a bit to know their jobs.....
I just hope DJ doesn't pull his whiny self and walk off the field again in the middle of a play if this happens......

Well stated. There are no doubt plenty of mouths to feed this year. It wouldn't shock me if no single receiver hits the 1k mark in reception yardage.