The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 season with high expectations. With former number one overall draft pick Caleb Williams, teaming up with the Bears new head coach, Ben Johnson, fans were excited about the potential of this year’s team. However, their first two games quickly brought back familiar frustration.
In week one against the Minnesota Vikings, the Bears built a promising 17-6 lead with Caleb Williams’ rushing for a touchdown and a quick pick six by the defense. But their defense broke down late, giving up two fourth-quarter touchdowns, resulting in a 27-24 loss for the Bears. The late game collapse led to fans questioning both the teams and the new head coach’s ability to close out games.
Things seemed to only get worse in week two against another divisional rival, the Detroit Lions, when the Bears suffered a 52-21 defeat. Detroit’s offense totaled over 500 yards, with Chicago’s defense struggling with poor tackling and big plays. Williams also showed signs of struggle, throwing two interceptions, causing the Bears to fall behind early with little chance to recover. The loss dropped the team to 0-2 and fueled discussion about the team’s ability to compete against top teams.
In week three against the Dallas Cowboys, the Bears showed great improvement with a much-needed 31-14 win at Soldier Field. Williams rebounded with nearly 300 yards passing and four touchdowns, while the offensive line provided great blocking, not allowing a single sack the whole game. On defense, Chicago forced three turnovers in the fourth quarter, shutting the door on Dallas and sealing their first win of the season. The team performed great on both sides of the ball, reminding fans of the team’s potential that they were so excited about just a few weeks earlier.
That momentum carried into week four, where the Bears beat the Las Vegas Raiders 25-24 in a dramatic ending. Williams completed 22 of 37 passes for 212 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. The Bears’ defense also shined, forcing four turnovers, including two interceptions by defensive backs Kevin Byard III and Tyrique Stevenson. The game ended up coming down to the end when D’Andre Swift scored a vital two-yard rushing touchdown with 1:34 left to give Chicago the lead, and cornerback Josh Blackwell blocked a potential game winning 54-yard field goal attempt by the Raiders kicker with 33 seconds remaining.
“I think the biggest growth is being able to keep my composure for the guys most importantly…It’s not just the other 10 guys on the field, it’s the whole team. I think there were moments in the Raiders game where I got frustrated, and the growth in that standpoint of not having — whether bad body language or not saying anything or raising my temper maybe too much … Those are moments that can change momentum. The guys look at me and they’re like, ‘Okay, he’s composed.” After the win, Williams spoke about his apparent improvement.
In week five, the Bears entered their bye week at 2-2. While the break came earlier than many teams prefer, it provided Chicago with a valuable chance to rest and heal potential injuries, and refine Johnson’s new system after an up-and-down start. The bye week also gave the chance for the team to prepare for the remainder of their upcoming schedule.
Coming out of the bye, in Week six the Bears traveled to face the Commanders and delivered a 25–24 win. Chicago built a fast start and held on until the end, with kicker and new added Jake Moody drilling a last-second field goal to seal the victory. The Bears forced multiple turnovers and showed better situational awareness in the fourth quarter. Though Williams didn’t light up the stat sheet, his calm under pressure and the defense’s ability to make big plays suggested this team is developing an identity.
In week seven at home against the Saints, Chicago earned a more convincing 26–14 victory. The running game exploded. D’Andre Swift rushed for over 120 yards and a touchdown as the Bears piled up 222 total rushing yards, while the defense forced four turnovers (including three interceptions). Williams’ passing numbers were modest (172 yards), but it was enough considering how dominant the defense and run game were. At 4–2, Chicago is now riding a four-game winning streak and finally looking like the team many hoped they could be.
Through seven weeks, the Bears have shown both flashes of brilliance and areas that need improvement. Williams’ composure and command continue to grow, and Johnson’s offense is starting to find a rhythm. The defense is becoming the cornerstone of this Bears team, forcing turnovers, making big stops, and enabling the offense to spend more time on the field. If Chicago can maintain this consistency and effectively close out tight games, something that haunted them last year, they might finally be turning the corner toward the kind of success fans have been waiting for.
