Bears' New Era Begins: Can Caleb Williams and Luther Burden III Deliver?

The Chicago Bears are embarking on a new era in the 2025 NFL season under the leadership of head coach Ben Johnson. After years of mediocrity, the Bears now have a revamped coaching staff and a roster that appears poised to compete.

However, the transition to Johnson's new offensive scheme has not been without its challenges. Quarterback Caleb Williams, a key piece of the Bears' plans, has faced early struggles in training camp. In a recent practice, Williams failed to complete any passes inside the 20-yard line during seven-on-seven drills, going 0-for-5 with one dropped pass and two interceptions.

Compounding the issue, rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, a second-round draft pick, has been sidelined for much of the offseason due to a lingering hamstring injury. Bears head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that Burden is behind in learning the new offense, with the team needing to "re-huddle" and "start it all over again" during walkthroughs due to Burden's misalignments.

Despite these early setbacks, the Bears' coaching staff remains optimistic. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle emphasized that the team is still in the early stages of implementing the new offense and that it will take time for the players to master the system. The Bears are confident that with continued work and reps, both Williams and Burden will eventually find their footing.

As the 2025 season approaches, Bears fans have reason to be cautiously optimistic. The team's new direction under Johnson holds promise, but the road to success may not be an easy one. The ability of players like Williams and Burden to adapt and thrive in the new offense will be crucial to the Bears' chances of making a significant leap forward this year.