After the Houston Texans went on an incredible run during the 2023 season that saw them go from a 3-13-1 mark in 2022 to 10-7, worst to first in the AFC South and a playoff win, they have become the standard for the NFL turnaround. For the Chicago Bears, they don't need that big of a jump after a 7-10 season, but they are looking to go from worst to first, or at least worst to a playoff spot.
Of course, pulling something off like the Texans did is far easier said than done, as Houston needed a historic showing from their rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, to get there, which is difficult to expect from a first-year signal-caller.
Looking ahead to 2024, there are some teams with rookie quarterbacks who could be the next Texans and go from last place to the playoffs, and one of them is no doubt the Bears after the team drafted Caleb Williams.
Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer recently tabbed the Bears as a team that could make a similar turnaround that the Texans did last season.
The Bears have a rising young defense under coach Matt Eberflus. That was the established strength from last year that got better as the season progressed, largely thanks to picking up top pass rusher Montez Sweat along the way. They can be dangerous making plays on every level.
But the Bears also should be thrilled about the offensive upside with Caleb Williams replacing Justin Fields as their franchise QB. He also got extra receiving help in Keenan Allen, fellow first-round rookie Rome Odunze, and running back D'Andre Swift. The change to Shane Waldron's offense with Williams should provide dramatic results, adding explosive passing to good running.
Chicago's biggest obstacle to a big turnaround will be playing in the tough NFC North, where Detroit is a new NFC power, Green Bay remains tough, and Minnesota will have a rebound on its mind with its own rookie first-round QB. The best the Bears can do then is likely 10-7, but that would get them an NFC wild-card berth.
For the Bears, it isn't just about the talent on offense they've added, a group that includes Williams, Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen and D'Andre Swift.
Chicago also has an up-and-coming defense that has the potential to be elite. At the very least, the Bears' unit is better than what the Texans had for their sensational run last season.
Knowing that, there isn't as much pressure on Williams to put this team on his back as there was with Stroud. Thus, Chicago is unlikely to need a historic performance from Williams to get to the postseason, although that would be nice.
