Bears Week 1: Caleb Williams & Ben Johnson, Vikings preview, win total

About this episode

Former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt discusses the Chicago Bears' new coaching staff and expectations for the 2025 NFL season.

The Chicago Bears come into the 2025 NFL season with a new coaching staff, new offensive line and new playmakers – but will it lead to more wins? Will Ben Johnson’s offense turn Caleb Williams into an elite quarterback? Heading into Week 1, these are just two of many questions fans have about what to expect from the 2025 team. The Bears finished the 2024 season with a 5-12 record, featuring a 10-game losing streak in the middle of the year. With so much to fix and so many new pieces on this team, former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt joined The Takeaway with Alex to discuss what he wants to see from the offense and defense, what real progress looks like for a team that finished 5-12 last year, and what will determine this season being a success or failure. Wannstedt, who spent six seasons on the sidelines for the Bears, breaks down how Johnson’s offense will help Williams in year two under center.

People in this episode

Guest: Dave Wannstedt

Topics covered

• Chicago Bears
• NFL
• Caleb Williams
• Ben Johnson
• Vikings preview
• 2025 season

Keywords

• offensive line
• playmakers
• success
• failure
• progress

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