Although playoff aspirations loom, Caleb Williams won't bear the brunt of the pressure for the Bears in 2024.
Unless there's a last-minute surprise, the Bears are set to draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, injecting renewed energy into their rebuilding efforts.
Under the guidance of general manager Ryan Poles, the Bears executed shrewd moves in free agency, notably securing wide receiver Keenan Allen without overspending. Poles' decision to trade quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers further paved the way for Williams' arrival, positioning him as a centerpiece for the team's future.
Williams, hailed as a "generational" talent by many in league circles, is poised to enter the NFL with an enviable supporting cast. With playoff aspirations looming, the pressure on the Bears to succeed in the 2024 season is palpable. Despite facing a challenging start in the 2023 season, the team's improved roster and upgrades at key positions set the stage for higher expectations.
However, while much attention will be on Williams as the No. 1 pick with lofty comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, it's head coach Matt Eberflus who will shoulder the most significant burden. Despite demonstrating growth as a head coach in 2023, Eberflus faces heightened scrutiny in the upcoming season.
With a bolstered roster and playoff aspirations, the pressure is on Eberflus and his coaching staff to guide the Bears to success. Poles has made it clear that he won't compromise on win-loss standards, putting the spotlight squarely on Eberflus to deliver results.
The Bears' roster, fortified with blue-chip talent across multiple positions, signals a new era of competitiveness for the team. As they aim to ascend to the top of the NFL, there's little room for error for Eberflus and his team. Anything short of meeting the high expectations set for the 2024 season will necessitate tough decisions for the franchise moving forward.
| POLL | ||
24 MARS | 174 ANSWERS Although playoff aspirations loom, Caleb Williams won't bear the brunt of the pressure for the Bears in 2024. Will Caleb Williams live up to the hype? | ||
| yes | 83 | 47.7 % |
| No | 91 | 52.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
