Are Chicago Bears better than they were in 2024?

After an inconsistent preseason, there are still questions about Chicago Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams.

Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) fumbles a handoff against the Chicago Bears during the first half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

After six months of offseason, four weeks of training camp and three preseason games, it's fair to ask the question: Are the Chicago Bears better than they were in 2024?

New head coach Ben Johnson arrived with hype and hoopla and immediately upgraded his address with a new house. But his main objective - the tutelage of quarterback Caleb Williams - remains a work in progress. To say the least.

When the Bears open the season Sept. 8 against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, will we see the Williams who dazzled on the opening drive of the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills? Or the Williams who struggled all camp with Johnson's complex offense and Friday night took a step back with an ugly start against the Kansas City Chiefs?

MORE: Bears' Ben Johnson hints at major 'ebb and flow' change after dismal performance vs. Chiefs

Johnson purposefully threw the "kitchen sink" at Williams during camp and reminded him that he doesn't need to be "Superman", but now says he's considering scaling back the playbook. Yikes.

The Bears' defense dominated the Bills and the Miami Dolphins in joint practices, but then allowed the Chiefs to score on their first three possessions. Overall there are questions at running back, left tackle and in the pass-rush. But it all comes down to Williams' development.

The Bears endured a 10-game losing streak last season on their way to 5-12. This year most experts predict their win total around 8, with ESPN projecting 7-10 and a last-place finish in the rugged NFC North. They currently have the 16th-best odds to play in Super Bowl LX in February.

MORE: Suddenly defense looks like a place Ryan Poles hunts before opener

Bears fans are expected a lot from Johnson. And he's expecting a lot from his quarterback, to the tune of 4,000 yards on 70-percent completions.

Throughout camp and the preseason we saw a mix of bad, overwhelmed Caleb and good, potentially great Caleb.

Are the Bears better than they were a year ago?

Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) celebrates with Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

More Chicago Bears News

• Final Chicago Bears 53-man roster projection has limited tough calls

• Final Bears prseason report card: Strong finish cloaks worries

• Bears injury situation growing serious after Terell Smith goes on IR

• Theo Benedet surprises everyone but himself with run at starting left tackle

X: BearsOnSI