At this point, Chicago Bears fans are numb to suffering another gut-wrenching loss. Everyone is feeling the effects of defeat after a devastating blocked field goal handed the Green Bay Packers a 20-19 win. While optimism about this current Bears squad is hard to muster, there’s still a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Bright Days Are Ahead for the Chicago Bears
Matt Eberflus Has Cemented His Fate
It’s no secret that Matt Eberflus isn’t a good head coach—he might even be the worst in the NFL. The Chicago Bears held off on firing him because the organization absolutely refuses to fire an HC mid-season, but it’s clear his time is running out. There were countless pre-snap penalties on offense, a failed challenge on an obvious 60-yard Christian Watson catch, and to top it off, Eberflus didn’t make an effort to try to make the eventual 46-yard field goal easier with 35 seconds left in the game. This was all in just one game, but it’s been a recurring trend throughout Eberflus’ tenure as HC. His situational awareness is dreadful, and instead of finding ways to win, he consistently finds ways to lose.
Caleb Williams Is Back on the Right Track
Firing Shane Waldron and appointing Thomas Brown as the offensive coordinator has put Caleb Williams back on the right track. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Williams averaged a league-best 1.92 seconds time to throw in the first half against Green Bay (minimum 10 attempts). The Chicago Bears also set a season-high with 51.7% of plays featuring pre-snap motion, allowing Williams to play to his strengths: using his mobility and making spectacular plays, just like he did in college.
What Bears fans should take away from the Bears loss to the Packers is the fact that Williams can put together a game-winning drive. After back-to-back sacks forced a third-and-19 from the 21-yard line, Williams responded with consecutive completions to Rome Odunze for 37 yards, followed by a 12-yard pass to Keenan Allen, putting the Bears in position for a game-winning field goal attempt. The three best throws of the game came when the Bears needed it most. With improved coaching, the Bears’ future looks bright, with Williams leading the offense.
Loss aside, Caleb Williams pulling out 3 straight hero plays in a row on 3 snaps in crunch time was very promising pic.twitter.com/2TFtFbJZr4
— Football Digest (@FoootballDigest) November 17, 2024
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Young Core Locked In for the Foreseeable Future
The Chicago Bears have plenty of players performing at a high level, and the good news is that several young, talented players are under contract through 2028. Here’s a look at who they are, along with their current ages and positions:
- WR D.J. Moore (27)
- DE Montez Sweat (28)
- CB Jaylon Johnson (25)
- QB Caleb Williams (22)
- TE Cole Kmet (25)
- WR Rome Odunze (22)
- P Tory Taylor (27)
- DE Austin Booker (21)
- OT Darnell Wright (23)
Other young studs are also due for big contracts, including defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr., cornerback Kyler Gordon, linebacker Jack Sanborn, and safety Jaquan Brisker. The foundation is there for the Bears. Now it’s time to fix the coaching staff and hope the ownership starts to care more about winning and less about saving money.
2025 Draft Capital
The Chicago Bears are still reaping the benefits of their blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers, owning Carolina’s second-round pick in this year’s draft. This presents a prime opportunity to address critical needs in the trenches and further build a talented, youthful core capable of breaking the cycle of mediocrity. Here’s a breakdown of the Bears’ picks in the 2025 NFL Draft:
- First-round pick
- (2) second-round picks (one via Carolina)
- Third-round pick
- Fifth-round pick
- Sixth-round conditional pick*
- (2) seventh-round pick (one via Khalil Herbert trade)
*conditional pick that becomes a fourth-rounder if Justin Fields plays 51% of the snaps
With all that draft capital, along with the fact that the Bears will likely pick in the top 15 this year, it’s a perfect chance to rebuild a horrendous offensive line and add key pieces to a struggling pass-rushing group. While the losses this season have been tough—especially considering victories over the Washington Commanders and Packers would have the Bears in the sixth seed for the NFC playoffs—there’s still reason for optimism. Hang in there, Bears fans; there’s still light at the end of the tunnel.
Main Image: Daniel Bartel – USA Today Sports
The post There’s Light at the End of the Tunnel for the Chicago Bears appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.