Coming off a seven-win season, the Bears bolstered their roster with notable additions such as D'Andre Swift, Keenan Allen, Gerald Everett, and Kevin Byard. However, the most significant change comes at the quarterback position, with the team trading Justin Fields and likely selecting Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
This shift prompts questions about the Bears' outlook for the upcoming season. Some fans are prepared to criticize the team at the slightest misstep from the new quarterback, anticipating that the 2024 season will be deemed a failure if Williams doesn't lead the team to its first playoff appearance since 2020.
Fields, despite his tenure as the Bears' starting quarterback over the past three seasons, had yet to secure a playoff berth. Speculating that he would lead the team to the playoffs in the upcoming season would have been speculative.
So, what defines success for the Chicago Bears in 2024?
While many may not want to hear it, success for the Bears in 2024 won't solely hinge on playoff contention. Considering the formidable rosters of division rivals like the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, expecting an immediate division win and playoff berth in Williams' rookie season would be ambitious.
A successful season for the Bears in 2024 would entail Williams proving himself as the long-term solution at quarterback. From the moment Williams steps into Halas Hall as the Bears' top pick, he becomes the focal point of the organization. And while a playoff appearance would certainly be a significant milestone, Williams demonstrating his capabilities as the team's quarterback of the future would be paramount to success, potentially paving the way for postseason success down the line.
POLL | ||
23 MARS | 197 ANSWERS This is what success would resemble for the Chicago Bears in 2024. Will the Bears make the playoffs next season? | ||
yes | 130 | 66 % |
No | 67 | 34 % |
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