5 Brutal Questions That Will Make or Break the 2025 Chicago Bears
Time to drop the corporate buzz: the Chicago Bears spent the offseason like gamblers throwing chips at a blackjack table — Ben Johnson as coach, elite O-line pieces, aggressive D-line additions. But talk is cheap. Let’s rip apart the five biggest questions that will make or break 2025.
1. Can Caleb & Johnson Actually Create QB Magic?
Caleb Williams casually threw for 3,541 yards, 20 TDs, and 6 INTs as a rookie, despite being hoodie-level sacked 68 times — the most in the league. His raw talent is undeniable. But he took sacks because the line sucked — but also because he held the ball too long, averaging 3.12 seconds per dropback according to Next Gen Stats.
Ben Johnson isn’t just another OC — he built Jared Goff into a respectable QB. He’s promised to “rip it down to the studs” and build around Williams.
Upside if it works: Jeffri Chadiha from NFL.com believes Caleb could throw for 4,500 yards and 35 TDs — making history for the Bears.
Downside if it fails: He gets pummeled again, takes another step backward, and becomes trade bait in 2026.
TL;DR: One good season from Caleb could flip the Bears’ future. One bad one, and the rebuild stalls.
2. Will This O‑Line Actually Give Caleb Time?
After letting Williams get sacked 68 times, Chicago dropped big money and picks to fix the trenches:
- Joe Thuney, All‑Pro guard with 4 Super Bowls
- Jonah Jackson, familiar with Johnson’s style
- Drew Dalman, signed for three years at $42 M (Spotrac) — solid run blocker
They didn’t mess around — it’s being called their “Monsters of the Midway” moment.
But aging (Thuney enters season at 32), injury concerns (Jackson missed most of ’24), and depth behind them are legitimate questions. Backup guards like Ryan Bates and Bill Murray haven’t even started a full season.
Upside if it works: Williams finally gets a clean pocket and can make full use of his weapons. The offense becomes explosive and efficient.
Downside if it fails: We replay 2024: sacks, fumbles, turnovers, and a second wasted year of Caleb’s rookie contract.
TL;DR: They bought the bricks — now they better build the wall.
3. Can Dennis Allen’s D Flip the Script Fast Enough?
DC Dennis Allen is bringing a textbook blitz-happy, man-coverage, exotic-defense scheme — think Ravens-level aggression. Pass rusher Montez Sweat says it’s “tenser” and more complicated than anything he’s had before.
But complexity brings slow starts. Mix in a rash of injuries (Brisker, others), and that’s recipe for first-half collapse.
On the flip side, Allen’s defenses hit top 10 in scoring allowed in 7 of 11 seasons when he’s been the DC (Pro Football Reference).
Upside if it works: The defense becomes nasty, unpredictable, and gives the Bears a fighting chance in every game.
Downside if it fails: Confusion reigns, guys miss assignments, and opposing QBs eat them alive.
TL;DR: Allen’s system better click fast — or it’s gonna be a long, loud mess.
4. Are the Bears Ready to Fight in the NFC North?
NFC North in 2025 = boxing ring full of prime Mike Tysons:
- Lions (15–2)
- Vikings (14–3)
- Packers (11–6)
Bears were 1–5 in division last year — not exactly surprise contenders. They landed the seventh-toughest schedule (NFL.com): rematch with division foes plus NFC East champs and AFC North’s best. Vegas says they’re underdogs in 11/17 games.
Yes, rivals praise their offseason. But performance > hype.
Upside if it works: They steal some divisional games, claw to 10–7, and maybe sneak into the playoffs.
Downside if it fails: Another round of beatdowns from the North and a quick ticket to irrelevance.
TL;DR: Compete in the division, or collapse with no excuses.
5. Can the Bears Stay Healthy? Depth = Survival
Here’s the health X factor:
- Jaquan Brisker, safety, missed 12 games in ’24 with concussion problems
- Braxton Jones, LT, missed 11 of 34 career games
- Jonah Jackson barely played in ’24 due to injury
- Joe Thuney is 32 with wear and tear beginning
Their depth sucks. Safety, linebacker, defensive line replacements are unproven youth. They’ve already spent big and only have ~$14.75 M cap left (Overthecap.com). No cash cushion to address injuries mid-season.
Upside if it works: Starters stay healthy, cohesion builds, and the team finally shows its full potential.
Downside if it fails: One injury domino topples the whole house and we’re right back to excuses.
TL;DR: No margin for error — pray for ice baths and bubble wrap.
Final Verdict
Chicago bet the bank on this: a future QB, coach with a plan, a rebuilt trench crew, an aggressive D, but they still have a brutal schedule and a horrible injury history.
They could surprise. But it’ll take elite QB/coach synergy, a healthy o-line, fast defensive assimilation, and staying upright.
If just one major link breaks — injury, poor communication, underperformance — we’re back to square one.