2023 can be described as a “leap forward” for Chicago as they managed a 7-10 record – the Bears prevailed in five of the remaining nine matchups to get to seven wins on the season. The Bears won nine games in the past two seasons, finishing with six wins in 2021 and three in 2022.
Last season saw a 14-game losing streak that began in week eight of the 2022 season diminish after week five’s victory over the Washington Commanders – Chicago dropped four straight before that game. Justin Fields became the fourth quarterback since the AFL-NFL merger to record 5,000 passing yards and 1,500 rushing yards within the first 30 starts. The Bears secured the first overall pick for the second straight season after the Carolina Panthers ended 2023 with the NFL’s worst record – Carolina traded their 2024 first-round pick to Chicago in the D.J. Moore deal.
In January, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was fired. Improvements on offensive scoring were needed since Chicago ranked 21st in points scored via the passing game and 23rd in the rushing attack. Shane Waldron was hired to replace Getsy, while Eric Washington was named defensive coordinator.
Fields was traded to Pittsburgh in March for a sixth-rounder in 2025. This trade signaled the end of the Fields era in the Windy City as the Bears eyed USC phenom Caleb Williams to be the new franchise signal caller. Receiver Keenan Allen was acquired in a trade with the Chargers two days before the Fields deal, while safety Eddie Jackson and guard Cody Whitehair were released in February. Additional pickups include D’Andre Swift, Gerald Everett and Kevin Byard.
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With the first pick in the 2024 draft, the Bears selected Williams from USC. This pick wasn’t a shock – Williams has a 66.9 career completion percentage while not throwing an interception in 199 passing attempts in third and fourth-down scenarios. Washington’s Rome Odunze was picked to top the receiving core eight picks later.
This year is a gift to Williams and Co. since their schedule is the third easiest in the NFL. Some highlights include a primetime game in Houston against the Texans, a week six meeting with the Jaguars in London, a Thanksgiving Day matchup versus the rival Lions and a trip to Levi’s to play the 49ers.
Look for Williams to be a Rookie of the Year candidate, as he has the weapons to put up good numbers. However, the offensive line needs to play well for the offense to be consistent. The Bears could shock people this year if they play their cards right.
Week 1: Sept. 8 vs. Tennessee, Noon
Week 2: Sept. 15 at Houston, 7:20 p.m.
Week 3: Sept. 22 at Indianapolis, Noon
Week 4: Sept. 29 vs. L.A. Rams, Noon
Week 5: Oct. 6 vs Carolina, Noon
Week 6: Oct. 13 vs. Jacksonville (in London), 8:30 a.m.
Week 7: Bye
Week 8: Oct. 27 at Washington, Noon
Week 9: Nov. 3 at Arizona, 3:05 p.m.
Week 10: Nov. 10 vs New England, Noon
Week 11: Nov. 17 vs. Green Bay, Noon
Week 12: Nov. 24 vs. Minnesota, Noon
Week 13: Nov.. 28 at Detroit, 11:30 a.m.
Week 14: Dec. 8 at San Francisco, 3:25 p.m.
Week 15: Dec. 16 at Minnesota, 7 p.m.
Week 16: Dec. 22 vs. Detroit, Noon
Week 17: Dec. 26 vs Seattle, 7:15 p.m.
Week 18: TBD at Green Bay
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