LAKE FOREST, Ill. – There truly is a different feel now inside Halas Hall. The same can be grasped around the city of Chicago as each day passes that brings us closer to this anticipated new season. Now, the national spotlight is also shining upon our local team. 

The Bears are positioned for lasting success that they hope can begin in 2024, and there’s reason to believe in what’s to come. With coveted rookie quarterback Caleb Williams leading the way and a roster rebuilt for contention, Chicago should absolutely feel optimistic. Sure, every team is 0-0 in mid-August and no games have been won or lost. But few teams in the NFL are set up for potential long-term success like the Bears. 

The Bears have been working in training now for one month, setting their foundation for this new season. Williams has strengthened his grasp as a leader and his teammates are looking his way. Young players have begun to emerge and veteran mainstays are establishing themselves for this year ahead. 

As training camp continues on and kickoff on the regular season nears, here are five takeaways on these Bears. 

1. Buy into Caleb-mania 

During the first quarter of last Saturday’s preseason game in Buffalo, Williams rolled out to his right, evaded pressure chasing behind him, set himself to throw across his body and delivered a tight spiral to Cole Kmet for a 26-yard completion. 

There was a mixed reaction across the football world, with many marveling at the play and plenty of naysayers pointing out that it’s only the preseason. Well, I’m here to say you’re allowed to be impressed and excited about a throw like this – just as Chicago should celebrate any dazzling moment of Williams’ rookie season. 

The Bears are doing right by Williams with hopes that he can become the type of franchise quarterback Chicago has never seen before. Throws like that 26-yard strike to Kmet underscore why that belief in Williams is warranted. That play encapsulates Williams’ ability to process in the pocket, understand where he needs to be to make a throw, the type of confidence to even consider that aggressive shot and the natural talent he has to complete the pass. 

[MORE: Caleb Williams drew serious praise from opposing media]

The 22-year-old Williams has lived up to his billing ever since arriving to the Bears as the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. Sure, he hasn’t taken a regular-season snap just yet, but every step along this path towards the season has been carefully executed by Williams himself and the Bears. 

Don’t live in fears from the past with names like Cade McNown, Rex Grossman, Mitch Trubisky and Justin Fields. Williams is different and the Bears are as well. 

2. This can be a Top 5 defense 

Ever since the Bears were working through OTAs and the grind of their offseason program, members of their starting defense spoke openly of their hopes to emerge as a top-five unit in the NFL. 

“You look at the great defenses,” safety Jaquan Brisker said. “The Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers, you can name them. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Chicago Bears, you can name so many defenses. And their success has been creating turnovers, playing all together and being Top 5 in all of those statistics.” 

The Bears are capable of living up to those aspirations this season. It’s a goal that was inspired late in 2023 as this unit came together and played like one of the best in the league. Now, this defense has another year under its belt, greater continuity and a new opportunity ahead. 

The Bears certainly have one of the premier secondaries in the entire NFL, led by Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, breakout player Tyrique Stevenson, third-year nickelback Kyler Gordon, two-time All-Pro Kevin Byard and the beating heart in Brisker. 

Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards form one of the better linebacking tandems in the league, and the addition of Pro Bowl pass rusher Montez Sweat transformed this entire defense late last season. 

The greatest threat to the Bears’ hopes defensively – aside from division foes like Jordan Love, Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown – will be health for the starters. While the Bears have upgraded the front lines of their depth chart, they’re still working to establish the bottom of the roster with quality depth. There’s a steep drop-off in talent defensively until younger players can emerge. 

But when the Bears state their hopes to become a top-five defense in this league, it’s a real possibility. 

3. Appreciation for Allen 

Early in training camp, six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen was locked into tight coverage in a one-on-one drill – and then suddenly he was wide open. 

Allen made a quick pivot off the defender and found space along the side of the end zone. Williams stayed with Allen the whole way and delivered the football for a touchdown soon after he separated. 

Now entering his 12^th year in the NFL, Allen is a savvy veteran and a true professional who will be an important piece for Williams’ rookie season. 

The Bears dealt a fourth-round pick to the Chargers back in March to land Allen, knowing well what he could bring for a first-year quarterback. Allen is a gifted route runner who has the ability to get himself open and make plays in key spots.  

Allen has surpassed 100 receptions in five of the last seven seasons. He posted a career-best 108 catches in just 13 games last season, reminding of how dangerous he can be.  

When Williams needs to keep a drive moving on third-and-long or is looking to take a shot into the end zone, Allen will be able to create space and get himself open for a completion. He’s going to be an instrumental presence for Williams and the Bears this season. 

4. X-factor 

I didn’t imagine Poles was the type of general manager who was willing to pay a lucrative contract for a running back. Frankly, I’m not sure if it will happen again, but the circumstances this offseason were different. 

The Bears were preparing to reshape their offensive identity for new coordinator Shane Waldron, doing so for the arrival of Williams as their quarterback. Poles knew he needed to make a key investment at running back to offer stability for this unit. 

Just minutes into the open negotiation period in March, the Bears had reached an agreement on a three-year, $24-million deal with running back D’Andre Swift. They elected to sign Swift over alternatives like Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard. 

Swift is just 25 years old, a player still very much in the prime of his career, and coming off his best year in the NFL. He rushed for 1,049 yards and 5 scores last season with the Eagles. 

Swift made sense for the Bears given there isn’t much tread on his tires – even after four seasons in the league – plus he’s a dynamic weapon out of the backfield who can play multiple roles for this offense. 

Early on this season as the Bears carefully follow Williams’ development, Swift will be the primary focal point of this offense. He will be very active with the football in his hands and a key piece of Waldron’s plans. But even if Williams takes off as a rookie, Swift will still be relied upon for this unit. 

Look for Swift to lead the way for the Bears offensively this season. 

5. Breakout coming 

Over the last three offseasons, the Bears have been searching for their 3-technique defensive tackle, the position that’s considered the “engine” that drives Matt Eberflus’ identity on defense. 

That player could be Gervon Dexter, who’s poised for a breakthrough second season in the NFL. This offseason, Dexter committed himself to a leaner, more athletic frame, but he’s still a force opposing offensive lines must handle. 

Dexter struggled as a rookie in adjusting to a one-gap role with the Bears, this after working in a two-gap assignment at Florida. The arrival of Sweat for this defense combined with increased comfort allowed Dexter to shine late in his rookie campaign. 

The Bears have passed on opportunities to bring in a 3-technique from the outside. Now, they’re eager to see what Dexter can do in his second season. 

Dexter is positioned to have a strong season and own this position in the Bears’ defense. 

No. 1 motivation 

Jaylon Johnson offered some real talk prior to his breakout 2023 season. 

“My accolades and my ability don’t match up,” Johnson said. “I mean, I definitely have All-Pro talent, for sure Pro Bowl talent. I go out there and lock those guys up.  

“(But) I’m a reality guy. I can look at the All-Pro list and I’m not on there. I still believe in myself 100%.” 

Johnson flipped that script, earning his first career Pro Bowl selection and honors as a second-team All-Pro. Pro Football Focus ranked Johnson as the No. 1 graded cornerback in the NFL last season. The stellar season for Johnson led to a rewarding offseason, as he was re-signed by the Bears on a four-year, $76-million deal back in March. 

But the new comforts Johnson now can enjoy have been pushed aside by his latest motivation.  

The NFL recently released its list of the Top 100 players in the league, as voted on by the players. Johnson was not included on that list. It’s a glaring omission, one that did not sit well with Johnson. 

“It’s (wrong),” Johnson said. “There ain’t no way. I don’t know how you make Pro Bowl, All-Pro and not a Top 100 guy. I could’ve been 101 I guess, but (darn), Aaron Rodgers didn’t even play in the season and he was voted. 

“It’s all right, I got some more for them.” 

If this disrespect is what Johnson needed to attack this season with great fire, then it’s a victory for the Bears. Because this team just saw what an ignited Johnson can bring to their defense. 

The Bears know well that Johnson is one of the premier players in this entire league. He’s a mainstay for their defensive identity and a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. 

“He’s up there with the best I’ve ever played with,” said veteran safety Kevin Byard. “He’s a true shutdown corner.  

“He’s a special player and I’ve really enjoyed playing with him.” 

If Johnson produces an encore of his 2023 campaign this season, it will be driven by his newest motivation. Then, it will be difficult to leave him off this list. 

Pass rush a priority? 

How confident is Ryan Poles really in the Bears’ pass rush? 

As the Bears reported for training camp last month, Poles made it clear that he is a believer in the team’s group of defensive end – a position that seemed to be a relative weakness for this otherwise strong defense.  

But Poles also admitted that he would conduct his due diligence and explore the options available. That was apparently the case this week as the Patriots prepared to trade away four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon. The Bears offered their third-round pick in 2025, according to multiple reports. 

The Patriots elected to take the Falcons’ third-round pick instead, leaving the Bears to reassess their options. 

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The Bears are confident in the potential of rookie Austin Booker, who made quite the impression last Saturday in Buffalo with 2.5 sacks. Dominique Robinson, a fifth-round pick in 2022, is still a developing player working to make an impression. Jacob Martin and Daniel Hardy are also fighting for a place in the pass rush rotation. 

That group is of course led by Pro Bowl pass rusher Montez Sweat along with reliable veteran DeMarcus Walker. But finding a proven player to work alongside Sweat remains a priority. 

The Bears will certainly monitor the trade request of two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Haason Reddick (Jets) along with the potential for a move with three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson (Bengals). Yannick Ngakoue, who played last season with the Bears, still remains a free agent and has been on Poles’ radar this offseason. 

In exploring a trade for Judon, it’s clear that Poles and the Bears are still closely evaluating the market for a proven pass rusher.  

Davis seeks to settle offensive line 

With hopes of creating continuity for their offensive line, the Bears coveted Nate Davis back in March of 2023. He was signed to a three-year, $30-million deal, of which nearly $20 million was fully guaranteed. 

But instead of solving problems for the Bears’ protection unit, Davis has instead been at the center of their instability. He played in just 11 games last season, missed most of the offseason program and has been sidelined for much of training camp. 

Davis returned as a full participant in practice this week and stepped back into his role as the Bears’ starting right guard. He hopes to remain in that position moving forward. 

“Just to show the world what type of player I really am, especially when healthy,” Davis said. “When my mind is right and body is good, I know I’m a special player.” 

Eberflus seemed to put Davis on notice earlier this month when he invited the idea of a competition at right guard. 

Veteran offensive lineman Ryan Bates, who was competing for a starting role at center, suddenly seemed to be the favorite to start at right guard. Davis was still working back from an undisclosed soft-tissue muscle injury – then came another setback early last week. 

“People say you can’t lose a job because of injury,” Eberflus said previously of Davis. “I don’t think that’s true. I think if the guy that’s playing there gives our team a good look and a good benefit for him being in that position, then it’s a competition.” 

Davis said he didn’t hear those words from Eberflus, which seemed to be an apparent message through the media. Bates then suffered an injury in practice late last week and his absence is considered a “week-to-week” matter. 

Suddenly, the stage is once again clear for Davis to start at right guard. He has a new opportunity to go prove his place with the Bears.  

But Davis has been the subject of criticism for his inconsistent availability. It has called into question his desire to work for his role. 

In addressing his desire to stick with the Bears, Davis refuted the notion that he doesn’t want to practice. 

“No, not at all (fair),” Davis said. “I’ve been in this league for a long time. I don’t think I really do what I do without practicing. Stuff happens, but you got to continue to perform.” 

Starters to play Saturday 

With a star at quarterback in Joe Burrow and a strong core in place, the Bengals have elected to hold out their starters Saturday at Soldier Field. 

It’s a different situation for the Bears, who have a rookie at quarterback in Williams and a team they’re hoping to develop into a legitimate championship contender. 

With that in mind, Eberflus announced the Bears will play their starters during Saturday’s exhibition against the Bengals. That means it will be Chicago’s starting unit against Cincinnati’s reserves, though the Bears are in a different place than the Bengals. 

“We feel really good about our plan and the process that we’ve been through so far in training camp,” Eberflus said. 

The Bears held out their starters last August in Indianapolis following joint practices with the Colts. But that was a team led by third-year quarterback Justin Fields, who didn’t necessarily need the reps of a preseason game. 

Williams shined in his preseason debut last Saturday in Buffalo. Now, he will lead the Bears onto Soldier Field for the first time in an exhibition game that suddenly has great intrigue. 

Kickoff between the Bears and Bengals is set for noon CT Saturday from Soldier Field.