Labeling the Chicago Bears as a team under pressure to succeed next season may be a surprise for a team barely coming out of a rebuilding phase. However, the offseason acquisitions the Bears made have completely transformed the team, positioning them as strong contenders for a playoff spot next season. Pro Football Focus recently published an article highlighting seven NFL franchises under pressure to succeed in 2024, with the Bears as one of those teams.
Pro Football Focus Labels Chicago Bears As A Team Under Pressure To Succeed In 2024
PFF’s Analysis on Why the Bears Must Produce Results Next Season
Here’s what PFF had to say about the Bears facing pressure to succeed next season.
“It may feel odd putting a team that has gone a combined 10-24 the past two years on this list, but the Bears finally have the components to be really good.
At the nucleus is No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, whose 6.2% big-time throw rate in 2023 ranked fourth among quarterbacks with 400-plus dropbacks. His 82.6 rushing grade also placed sixth among non-running backs with 50 or more carries. Williams will need to get the ball out quicker in structure — his 3.16-second average time to throw led the FBS — but he could be dynamic as a rookie.
General manager Ryan Poles also made splashes on both sides of the ball, acquiring Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Kevin Byard and D’Andre Swift to round out a roster with plenty of existing talent. Chicago’s youth, including Tyrique Stevenson, Darnell Wright and Jaquan Brisker, also have a good chance to improve in 2024.”
It’s true. The Bears haven’t had the best record in the past two seasons, even the past decade. But things are changing in Chicago. Caleb Williams is entering what could be the best situation for a rookie quarterback in NFL history, and expectations for him are incredibly high.
But it’s not just Caleb who is expected to turn the team around; both new and familiar faces are going to make an impact in 2024. Besides the names PFF mentioned, guys like D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet, Teven Jenkins, T.J. Edwards, and Montez Sweat are just a few of the many guys slated to have enormous seasons for the Bears. PFF also listed the Bears as the 20th-best team in the NFL in terms of roster strength. Personally, the Bears are closer to the top half of the league in terms of talent and ability on the team. With one of the best, if not the best, wide receiver core and an extremely talented quarterback with unlimited potential, the Bears have the offensive power to score against any defense in the league. Not to mention, they also have a top-ten defense in the NFL.
Is It Fair to Already Label the Bears as a Team Under Pressure?
There are certainly high expectations for the Bears next season; there’s no denying that. The Bears have the third easiest schedule in the NFL and have a chance to go on a hot streak early in the season. On the other hand, competing in a division with teams like the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers will make it difficult for the Bears to reach the playoffs. Overall, there should be a fine line in gauging the Bears’ success next season.
Yes, the Bears need to perform and produce better results than last season. However, it seems many fans forget that the NFC North is the second hardest division in the NFL behind the AFC North. Although the Bears have a solid roster on paper, they need to prove through results that there is a new era of winning football in Chicago.
Main Image: David Banks – USA Today Sports
