When it comes to pressure, it can either make diamonds or burst pipes. For a team with as high of expectations as the Chicago Bears have in 2024, they’re hopeful for diamonds at the end of this year — not burst pipes.
However, with stakes as high as they are in the NFL, pressure is something everyone must learn to deal with and adapt to.
But who is under the most pressure this season for the Bears, and will they crack under it?
Which Bears Are Under the Most Pressure in 2024?
Caleb Williams
Entering a fanbase as passionate as the one in Chicago, quarterbacks tend to be run out of town if they don’t perform to the level that many expect. However, for Caleb Williams, that pressure is cranked up even higher.
The Bears are in a unique spot with Williams, given his landing spot was far more ideal than most quarterbacks selected with the No. 1 pick. Chicago had the first pick in 2024 after its mega-deal with the Carolina Panthers the year before.
As Williams enters his rookie season with one of the top receiving trios in the league, some expect him to come out of the gates firing on all cylinders.
In his first start at the college level, Williams showed his ability to step in and contribute immediately by completing 18 of 23 passes for 295 yards and four touchdown passes, adding 66 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
“Pressure isn’t a word that I use in my vocabulary.” @ChicagoBears QB Caleb Williams talks about his focus ahead of his rookie season
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While his rookie season could see ups and downs, Williams doesn’t let pressure get to him, nor does he even really believe in the idea of it. His view is that preparation beats pressure.
As someone who’s obsessed with success the way Williams is, it doesn’t appear like the rookie will have a tough time adjusting to the high expectations he faces.
Velus Jones Jr.
In the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Ryan Poles decided to draft Velus Jones Jr. as a 25-year-old rookie playmaker on offense and special teams.
Jones was a five-year starter in college, splitting time with USC and Tennessee, totaling just under 1,500 yards on offense in 62 appearances.
Jones, at the time, was seen as a player who could be plugged in and see success in multiple ways on offense. He was also viewed as a dynamic special teams player, accruing 2,973 return yards on kickoffs in college.
However, in his first two seasons with the Bears, Jones’ career hasn’t started as he likely hoped. Making just two starts since being selected with the 71st pick in 2022, Jones has totaled 281 yards on offense and scored a pair of touchdowns.
Chicago featured Jones in a new way this preseason, having him take reps alongside the running backs.
Jones’ new role could be the catalyst that revives his NFL career. And if it’s not, his future in Chicago could look a bit bleak.
Matt Eberflus
As the leader of the Bears for his third season, head coach Matt Eberflus’ future could be in jeopardy if this season doesn’t go well.
In his first season with the Bears, Eberflus led Chicago to a 3-14 record, earning the No. 1 pick heading in the 2023 NFL Draft, which the Bears traded to Carolina. Chicago ranked 28th in offensive yardage and 23rd in offensive points. That same year, the defense ranked 29th in opponent yardage and 32nd in points allowed.
In 2023, Eberflus led Chicago to a 7-10 record, more than doubling the team’s win total from a year prior.
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While that might be seen as an impressive leap, the Bears’ roster heading into 2024 is that of a team that should finish with a winning record. If the Bears end 2024 with a losing record, it could spell trouble for Eberflus.
The idea of the Bears having their rookie quarterback play for multiple head coaches in his first two seasons isn’t a popular choice, but if Eberflus can’t lead the Bears to a winning record this year, that reality becomes more possible.
In the second half of last season, Chicago ended with five wins in its final eight games, showing that the team has promise.
With the additions made this offseason, Eberflus has the best roster he’s had since becoming the Bears’ head coach, and with that, pressure is rising in Chicago.