Chicago Bears 2025 Season: Evaluating the 2-2 Start and Looking Ahead
The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 season with renewed optimism following the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson, who brought his innovative offensive mind from Detroit to the Windy City. After a disappointing 5-12 campaign in 2024, the organization made significant changes, and through four games, the results have been mixed but encouraging—the Bears sit at 2-2 heading into their Week 5 bye.
This season also marks a historic transition for the franchise, as it’s the first without Virginia Halas McCaskey as owner following her passing in February 2025 at age 102. The legendary owner’s legacy looms large, but the organization has pushed forward with a clear mission: return to the playoffs after a four-year absence and end their six-year NFC North title drought.
Season Recap: Finding an Identity
The Bears’ 2-2 start features two divisional losses that loom large over their playoff aspirations. In the Week 1 home opener on Monday Night Football, Chicago squandered a 17-6 lead through three quarters against the Minnesota Vikings, surrendering 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter for a devastating 24-27 loss. Caleb Williams showed promise with a rushing touchdown, and the defense generated a pick-six from Nahshon Wright. Still, the collapse in the final frame exposed the team’s inability to close games.
Week 2 brought an even more concerning result—a 21-52 blowout loss at Ford Field against the Detroit Lions. The offense managed just 21 points while the defense was thoroughly dominated, allowing 52 points to Johnson’s former team. The lopsided defeat raised questions about whether the Bears have the personnel to compete with the division’s elite.
Chicago rebounded in Week 3 with a defensive masterpiece against the Dallas Cowboys, shutting out America’s Team in what would become a historically rare 0-0 tie at Soldier Field. While the scoreless draw prevented a third straight loss, it highlighted the offense’s struggles to generate points even against favorable matchups.
The Bears finally secured their first win of the season in Week 4, edging the Las Vegas Raiders 25-24 in dramatic fashion. Chicago blocked a potential game-winning field goal attempt as time expired, preserving what would become the franchise’s 800th all-time victory. The narrow escape provided relief but also underscored the team’s inability to put away inferior opponents.
Injury Concerns Mounting
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the Bears’ early season has been the mounting injury list, particularly on defense. The team’s current injury report heading into the bye reveals significant depth concerns across multiple position groups.
Earlier in the season, the Bears also dealt with significant absences including Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, linebacker T.J. Edwards, nickel back Kyler Gordon (missed the first three games with a hamstring injury), right tackle Darnell Wright (elbow, ruled out Week 4), and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (knee, ruled out Week 4).
The secondary has been especially depleted, forcing the Bears to lean heavily on backup cornerbacks and adjust their defensive schemes. Gordon’s extended absence left a glaring hole in the slot—a critical position in today’s pass-happy NFL.
On offense, the loss of Wright is significant. The young right tackle has been a cornerstone of the offensive line, and his absence could put additional pressure on Williams, who already faces enough challenges learning a new system. Multiple skill position players are also managing injuries, though most have avoided extended absences.
The silver lining? The Week 5 bye comes at an opportune time, giving several key players additional time to heal before the crucial stretch run.
Offensive Adjustments Under Johnson
Ben Johnson’s offensive philosophy emphasizes creativity, motion, and putting playmakers in space. Through four games, we’ve seen glimpses of what this offense can become, but consistency has been elusive. The scoreless tie against Dallas particularly highlighted the growing pains of implementing a complex system with a young quarterback.
Williams’ development remains the key to everything. The former Heisman Trophy winner showed promise as a rookie, but the transition to Johnson’s system—his second offensive coordinator in as many years—has included predictable growing pains. Decision-making under pressure, particularly with an injury-depleted offensive line, will be crucial moving forward.
The offensive line’s health is paramount. With Wright sidelined and tackle depth being tested, the Bears must find ways to keep Williams upright. Johnson’s scheme relies on play-action and deep shots, which require time for routes to develop. If the protection continues to break down, expect more quick game and screens to alleviate pressure.
DJ Moore continues to be Williams’ primary target, while the running game has shown flashes without establishing true consistency. The Bears’ inability to score against Dallas despite facing a vulnerable Cowboys defense was particularly troubling and suggests deeper systemic issues beyond just personnel.
Defensive Identity Crisis
The defensive side of the ball has struggled to establish an identity amid the injury carousel. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, hired away from New Orleans after his dismissal as head coach there, has worked to implement his system, but injuries have forced constant adjustments.
The loss of key contributors in the secondary forced the defense to simplify the game plan and rely more heavily on zone coverages. This has led to underneath completions and allowed opposing offenses to sustain drives—never more evident than in the 52-point explosion by Detroit in Week 2.
The pass rush, which was supposed to be a strength with the addition of Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency, hasn’t generated consistent pressure. Jarrett’s knee injury disrupted the interior rotation, and when you can’t get home with four rushers, it puts additional stress on an already thin secondary.
Linebacker play has been solid when healthy, with the unit responsible for containing the run and cleaning up in the intermediate zones. However, the defense needs to generate more negative plays and turnovers to truly impact games. Through four weeks, the defense has shown flashes but lacks the consistency required for a playoff-caliber unit.
Looking Ahead: Post-Bye Schedule and Critical Matchups
The Week 5 bye provides a critical opportunity for the Bears to regroup, heal, and refine their approach. Coming out of the bye, Chicago faces a challenging but manageable stretch that will define their season. Here’s what awaits them and the injury situations they may exploit:
Week 6: at Washington Commanders
The Bears travel to the nation’s capital for a Monday Night Football rematch of last season’s devastating Week 8 loss. Washington presents a formidable challenge, but the Commanders are dealing with their own injury crisis.
Recent reports indicate Washington’s roster has been “decimated by injuries” through the first quarter of the season, with significant concerns on both sides of the ball. Most notably, quarterback Jayden Daniels and star receiver Terry McLaurin have both dealt with injuries that kept them out of games. Daniels missed time before returning in Week 5, while McLaurin has missed multiple games with a quad injury. Wide receiver Noah Brown has also been sidelined with a groin injury.
The Commanders’ injury-depleted receiving corps could provide an opportunity for Chicago’s secondary to generate turnovers and limit big plays. However, Washington’s defense remains stout, and the Bears’ struggling offense will need to execute at a higher level than they showed against Dallas.
Week 7: vs. New Orleans Saints
The Saints come to Soldier Field in a matchup that could favor the home team if injuries continue to plague New Orleans. Recent injury reports showed multiple Saints players missing practice, including key contributors like tight end Foster Moreau, versatile weapon Taysom Hill, and defensive tackle John Ridgeway III, though some have since returned to practice.
New Orleans typically features an explosive offense, but dealing with injuries could limit their effectiveness. The Bears’ defense will need to contain the Saints’ rushing attack and force rookie or backup quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations if starter issues arise.
For Chicago, this represents a must-win home game against an NFC opponent. The Saints are beatable, especially if the Bears can exploit any lingering injury issues and generate turnovers.
Week 8: at Baltimore Ravens
This matchup just became significantly more favorable for the Bears. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been ruled out for Week 5 with a hamstring injury and did not practice all week. If Jackson’s hamstring issues linger into late October, the Bears could catch Baltimore without their dynamic MVP quarterback.
Jackson’s absence fundamentally changes Baltimore’s offensive identity. Without his dual-threat capabilities, the Ravens become far more predictable and easier to defend. The Bears’ front seven could tee off on the run game without worrying about Jackson’s ability to extend plays with his legs.
However, even without Jackson, the Ravens remain a formidable opponent with a strong defense and one of the best coaching staffs in football. This will be a tough road environment regardless, but a Jackson-less Ravens team is far more beatable than one with their superstar under center.
Week 9: at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals present a significant challenge with Joe Burrow at quarterback and weapons like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the perimeter. Cincinnati’s injury situation will need monitoring as the game approaches, but they typically have enough depth to overcome absences.
This represents another critical AFC opponent where the Bears need to prove they can compete on the road against quality opposition. The Bengals’ explosive passing attack will test Chicago’s injury-riddled secondary.
Week 10: vs. New York Giants
The Giants return to Soldier Field, and New York has dealt with its own injury concerns throughout the season. Recent reports showed multiple Giants players on the injury report heading into their Week 5 matchup against New Orleans.
This represents another winnable home game for the Bears. The Giants have struggled offensively in recent years, and if Chicago’s defense is healthier by early November, they should be able to contain New York’s attack and secure a victory.
Week 11: at Minnesota Vikings
The rematch with Minnesota represents a chance for revenge after the crushing Week 1 collapse. The Vikings will be formidable at home, but if the Bears have developed their identity and gotten healthy by mid-November, they’ll have an opportunity to show growth and potentially split the season series.
This game carries enormous divisional implications. At 0-2 in the NFC North currently, the Bears desperately need divisional wins to have any playoff hopes.
Keys to a Successful Second Half
1. Health Over Everything: Getting Johnson, Wright, Gordon, Jarrett, and other key contributors back to full strength is non-negotiable. The Bears simply cannot compete with their current injury situation, especially in the secondary and along the offensive line.
2. Establish Offensive Identity: Johnson needs to commit to a running game identity that takes pressure off Williams. The scoreless tie against Dallas proved that the passing game alone cannot carry this offense. Establishing the run will open play-action opportunities and make Williams’ job easier.
3. Generate Turnovers: The defense must create more negative plays. Whether it’s sacks, tackles for loss, or interceptions, the Bears need their defense to change possession and field position. Dennis Allen’s defenses in New Orleans were known for generating turnovers—that mentality must transfer to Chicago.
4. Divisional Games Are Critical: At 0-2 in the NFC North with losses to Minnesota and Detroit, the Bears have dug themselves a significant hole. Splitting the remaining divisional games won’t be enough—they need to win the season series against at least one division rival to have any playoff hopes.
5. Protect Caleb Williams: The offensive line must keep Williams clean. His development is the franchise’s future, and subjecting him to constant pressure could stunt his growth. The Week 5 bye needs to prioritize getting Wright and the interior line healthy.
6. Exploit Opponent Injuries: Washington’s depleted receiving corps, Baltimore’s potential Jackson absence, and various injuries across upcoming opponents present opportunities. The Bears must capitalize when facing weakened opposition—these are the games that separate playoff teams from pretenders.
Playoff Picture and Realistic Expectations
At 2-2 with an 0-2 divisional record, the Bears are neither eliminated from contention nor in a comfortable position. The NFC playoff race appears wide open outside of a few elite teams, meaning there’s room for a team that gets hot in the second half. However, the divisional record is deeply concerning—winning the NFC North looks increasingly unlikely, so a wild card berth represents the most realistic path to January football.
The upcoming schedule provides opportunities. If Jackson misses the Ravens game, if Washington’s injuries persist, and if the Bears can take care of business against beatable opponents like the Saints and Giants, a strong second half is possible. However, that requires getting healthy during the bye and executing at a higher level than they’ve shown through four weeks.
Advanced metrics will tell us more about this team’s true quality, but the eye test suggests a squad with talent being held back by injuries, inconsistency, and growing pains under a new system. If the Bears can get healthy and string together wins coming out of the bye, a 10-7 or 9-8 record isn’t out of reach. That might be enough for a wild card in a crowded NFC.
However, if the injury bug continues to bite and the offensive line can’t protect Williams, this could spiral quickly. The margin for error is thin, and December games in the NFC North are unforgiving.
The Path Forward
The Bears’ 2-2 start is neither disaster nor triumph. It’s exactly what a team in transition looks like: flashes of competence mixed with frustrating inconsistency. Ben Johnson has a track record of offensive success—he helped build one of the NFL’s most potent attacks in Detroit—but implementing his system takes time, especially with a young quarterback adapting to his second coordinator in two years.
The Week 5 bye couldn’t come at a better time. The injury situation demanded this respite, and the coaching staff needs time to evaluate what’s working and what needs adjustment. The scoreless tie against Dallas, while defensively impressive, exposed serious offensive limitations that must be addressed.
The upcoming schedule provides opportunities that didn’t seem available when the season began. Washington’s injury crisis, Baltimore’s potential Jackson absence, and winnable home games against New Orleans and New York create a path to stringing together victories. But the Bears must capitalize—these are the games that separate playoff teams from lottery teams.
For a fan base that’s endured decades of quarterback mediocrity and playoff disappointment, the hope is that Williams represents a new dawn. The 2025 season may not result in a championship, but establishing a foundation with a healthy, developing quarterback and a modern offensive system would represent significant progress.
The key question facing the Bears as they enter their bye week: Can this team get healthy enough and execute consistently enough to capitalize on a favorable upcoming schedule? The next eight games will provide the answer and determine whether Chicago’s playoff drought extends to five years or whether this group can surprise the skeptics and sneak into the postseason.
(Aspiring NFL Writer | Children’s Author | Chicago Bears Devotee in Chiefs Territory)