After a 2022 season that resulted in the Chicago Bears scraping together three wins, they are primed to take a major leap that could put the NFL on notice this upcoming season.
Fans and media alike are anticipating several key players to be right on the bleeding edge of taking their play to the next level. QB Justin Fields is expected to propel the formerly rudderless offense into a well-refined scoring machine, which can only bode well for other offensive players. Beneficiaries of the QB’s play could be WRs D.J. Moore and Darnell Mooney, RB Khalil Herbert, and TE Cole Kmet, among others.
On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Alan Williams’ squad is looking continue its strong play from the end of the 2022 season and work to complement the offense’s ability to score touchdowns with turnovers on the defensive end. Position groups such as the defensive backs and linebackers have the potential to elevate the Bears’ defense into a unit that opposing offenses will fear going against week in and week out.
While fans have good reason to be optimistic about the Bears as the squad buckles their chinstraps for training camp, the team also has some overt weaknesses that cannot be ignored. Whether it’s the issue of a very shallow defensive front four that has no proven starters or an offensive line that could severely hinder the offense’s ability to move the ball and score points, here are four causes for concern as the Bears prepare for training camp.