Every year there’s a new team on the face of HBO’s infamous Hard Knocks series, and this year it’s the Chicago Bears. In a new era with quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears will be under the spotlight as they look to take a much-needed leap in on-field performance. How is the team reacting to being chosen?
Chicago Bears Embracing Opportunity on Hard Knocks
While many teams oppose having Hard Knocks around, the Bears are embracing the opportunity. “I believe that NFL Films, HBO does an outstanding job about getting the message out about the team,” head coach Matt Eberflus said. “[There’s] excitement. I think they were excited about it. We’ve got a good thing going here.”
It wasn’t just Eberflus either; linebacker Tremaine Edmunds shared the same sentiment.
“It shows that we’ve got something brewing here,” Edmunds said. “Everyone wants to see what’s going on.”
The last three teams to be featured on Hard Knocks were the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, and Dallas Cowboys. The Bears had never been featured on Hard Knocks until now, with the show having followed teams in training camp since 2001.
Eberflus does, however, have some experience around the show. In 2021, the Indianapolis Colts held the first-ever in-season edition of the series. That was during Eberflus’ tenure as the team’s defensive coordinator. He said he had a great experience when he was a part of the experience.
Bear down. Hard Knocks is going to Chicago.#HardKnocks Training Camp with the Chicago Bears premieres August 6 on Max. pic.twitter.com/groYOw7DOU
— Max (@StreamOnMax) May 30, 2024
With the Bears reporting for camp in late July, the first episode of Hard Knocks will premiere on Aug. 6.
All Eyes on Caleb Williams
The main reason the Bears got Hard Knocks is simple: It’s so the world can see how Williams leads the charge in revamping a Bears team that has struggled in recent years. As a result, eyes will be focused on how he’s performing, and that’s a big reason for Eberflus’ excitement.
Eberflus expressed optimism for how Williams is already battle-tested in terms of media attention.
“I do think he’s suited for this,” Eberflus said of Williams on Hard Knocks. “He’s comfortable in his own skin, he knows who he is. … He’ll be good.”
The Bears have been long searching for a franchise quarterback, yet to have a 4,000-yard passer. Before Williams, the team had Justin Fields, who they spent a top-15 pick on in 2021. However, with Williams on the table, he was traded to Pittsburgh with the franchise looking for a fresh start.
We could get used to this 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Ps02poArjz
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 30, 2024
“At 6’1″, 215 pounds, Williams is one of the most prolific, natural creators to hit the NFL Draft circuit over the past decade,” Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings said of Williams coming out of college. Now, Williams will look to take that talent and attempt to be the franchise quarterback the Bears have longed for.
Another piece of Williams’ hype is the surrounding cast. This includes fellow first-round pick Rome Odunze, who was on the field for OTAs in full capacity after having dealt with a hamstring injury the last few weeks. In addition to Odunze, the team traded for veteran star Keenan Allen and returns DJ Moore, making for one of the best groups in the NFL.
KEEP READING: 3 Reasons the Bears on Hard Knocks Will Be Must-See TV
In addition to the wide receiver core, the Bears also signed running back D’Andre Swift in free agency and return tight end Cole Kmet. As a result, the Bears have the makings for potentially one of the best skill groups in the NFL, not just the NFC.
With all of the hype that has built up, Hard Knocks will serve as a first look and sneak peek into how Williams and the Bears’ new offensive group are preparing for the 2024 season. If things go right, this could be one of the best Bears offenses in recent memory.