With training camp now one week in, the Bears are looking to continue to hit the ground running. This off-season, the Bears extended their three-year reign as off-season champions.
They hired the premier available head coach, signing Ben Johnson, retooled a much-depleted offensive line, and improved the defensive line, and reloaded their skill positions. Another great off-season, just like the last two… or at least everyone in Chicago is saying. Now is the time when the rubber meets the road, where they need to move forward in a couple of key areas.
Ben Johnson
First and foremost, the Bears need to get that old quarterback thing figured out. They have their guy and believe in him wholeheartedly, as they should. Caleb Williams is the future in Chicago. Ben Johnson looks to replicate and improve on what he had in Detroit, which led the Lions to their first-ever number one seed in the NFC and a 15-2 record.
Caleb Williams is now in his third offensive system in the last 12 months. Yes, you read that correctly, third offensive system in 12 months. Not quite the best situation for the young talent to develop in. The Bears have solved that problem and married Ben Johnson to Caleb Williams and will have those two together for at least the next three years, barring a couple of three-win seasons. I believe Caleb will finally do it this year and become the Bears’ first-ever four-thousand-yard passer. He has the weapons, the line, and the offensive mind that he desperately needed. Now we go.
Offensive Line
The offensive line was addressed over the off-season, but the next biggest question mark coming out of Halas Hall is who will be starting on that line. As of now, the Center and Guard positions are filled and ready to go. The question really is who will be starting at both Tackle positions.
Ozzy Trapilo has been taking first-team reps protecting Caleb. Most anticipate that Braxton Jones will ascend and take over for Ozzy, but he has been limited since his ankle surgery this offseason, so a ramp-up period is in full effect. With Darnell Wright listed as the day one starter, it looks like the competition at the backside tackle spot will be fierce. Ben Johnson alluded to every position being open and wanting his guys to understand that mentality. That means the competition between Ozzy, Braxton, and second-year Kiran Amegadjie will only continue to heat up. The one thing on everyone’s mind in the O-Line room is not giving up a staggering 68 sacks again this season.
New Offensive Weapons
Another area under the microscope is the health and progress of the Bears’ rookie class, particularly two of their most anticipated offensive weapons: tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. Loveland, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, has been limited in full-contact drills but is steadily ramping up his workload. Meanwhile, Burden is easing back from a soft tissue injury and is expected to be fully integrated soon. Both players are seen as critical to Caleb Williams’ success, offering dynamic options in the passing game. The Bears are taking a cautious but optimistic approach, ensuring these young playmakers are ready for the long haul of the season.
With the foundation laid and the pieces in place, the Bears are entering a pivotal chapter in their championship window. The front office has done its part—stacking talent, securing leadership, and building a roster that looks ready on paper. Now, it’s about execution. Caleb Williams has the tools, the coaching, and the moment. The offensive line has the depth and competition to finally stabilize. And the rookies, once fully healthy, could be the spark that takes this offense from promising to explosive. The Bears aren’t just defending a title—they’re chasing legacy. And if the first week of camp is any indication, they’re not planning on slowing down anytime soon.
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