2025 Chicago Bears Season Preview: Still Searching for a Pulse

There’s an old saying in Chicago: “Maybe next year.” Well, Bears fans, it looks like you’ll be dusting off that phrase once again in 2025—right next to your Ditka mustache and that half-eaten deep-dish pizza from the last playoff win.

New Coach, Same Old Blues

Optimism flooded the Windy City this offseason. New head coach Ben Johnson arrived, fresh off turning the Detroit Lions into something resembling a real football team. Hopes soared that he could do the same for the Bears. But as the season unfolds, it’s clear that Johnson’s greatest challenge isn’t fixing the offense; it’s convincing the defense to stop doing the “Flus Shuffle”—that unique Chicago tradition of giving up just enough points to lose in the final minutes.

Caleb Williams: Year Two or Deja Boo?

Quarterback Caleb Williams, now in his sophomore season, was supposed to be the savior. Instead, he’s spent more time running for his life than running the offense. The much-hyped revamped offensive line has mostly served as a revolving door for opposing pass rushers. On the bright side, Williams is on pace to set a new NFL record for “Most Creative Ways to Avoid a Sack”—a stat sure to impress future trivia nights and no one else.

Schedule? More Like a Gauntlet

The Bears were handed the NFL’s second-hardest schedule, which is a polite way of saying, “Good luck, you’ll need it.” In between facing playoff teams from the NFC North, AFC North, and NFC East, Chicago also gets to travel to San Francisco and Las Vegas. The only thing tougher than their slate is convincing a Bears fan to watch all 17 games without heavy emotional support.

The NFC North: Still Not Bear Country

While the rest of the NFC North seems to have gotten the memo about “winning football games,” the Bears are still searching for the right postage. The Vikings, Lions, and Packers all made the playoffs last year, and only Minnesota is expected to take a step back. Meanwhile, Chicago is locked in a fierce battle for fourth place—against themselves.

Silver Linings (Sort Of)

Sure, there are flashes of hope. Occasionally, the offense looks like it’s from this decade. Sometimes, the defense forces a punt before the fourth quarter. And every now and then, a Bears kicker actually makes a field goal. But as the losses pile up, so do the memes—and the city’s collective eye rolls.

Conclusion: Hope Springs Eternal (But Not This Year)

Will Ben Johnson eventually turn things around? Maybe. Will Caleb Williams fulfill his promise? Possibly. Will the Bears win more than five games? Well, let’s just say the city’s supply of “Maybe Next Year” t-shirts is safe for another season.

So, Bears fans, keep your sense of humor handy. You’ll need it—along with a sturdy remote and a backup team to root for come December.