The Chicago Bears’ 2025 offseason is another one that they have seemingly “won.” They landed one of the top coaches in Ben Johnson, addressed their weaknesses, and added exciting weapons in the NFL Draft.

Bears beat reporter Herb Howard from “The Bigs” joined The Chicago Football Show on Tuesday to talk all things Bears. 

The question seemingly surrounding every Bears offseason is, “How optimistic are you heading into the season?” Marquee Sports Network Bears insider Scott Bair posed this question to Howard, who gave a positive outlook but one grounded in realistic expectations.

“I would say some guarded optimism,” Howard responded when giving his take on the season as a whole.

The main reason why it feels different for Howard? It’s the new coaching staff and the support they may be able to provide Bears quarterback Caleb Williams as he enters his sophomore season.

[MORE: Bears minicamp report: Ben Johnson’s ‘obsession,’ DJ Moore’s body language]

“I think Caleb showed a lot of things last year that show that, I think, he can be the player they hope that he his,” Howard stated, “I think that if he can get the right pieces around him, not only the players on the field, but the coaches and the infrastructure.”

“I think (Caleb Williams) will have a better chance of actually reaching his ceiling,” Howard continued.

Many across the league think this newly added support for the Bears QB can be a game-changer. Who’s to blame them for such thoughts? Williams showed amazing flashes and arm talent in his rookie campaign, despite being sacked a league-leading 68 times last year.

The new optimism certainly extends to the change in culture that Ben Johnson and his coaching staff have brought to Halas Hall.

“It doesn’t seem like Coach Johnson is ever going to come off calling off those mistakes and making sure guys are on top of the details,” Howard discussed when talking about the new coaching staff.

It’s a new trend and culture that the players certainly seem to appreciate and echo the love of being coached hard.

“There’s a lot to prove for a lot of people, including the quarterback and the head coach. I think if you look at the moves the Bears made in the offseason … I don’t think you can look at them and say they were bad moves,” Howard wrapped up his point.

Howard makes a fair point. There is a lot to prove for many across the organization, but the Bears appear to have made all the right moves to prime themselves for an improved season. There are a lot of moving parts and changes that will take time adjusting to, but the talent and culture changes are what leave Howard and fans optimistic.

Watch the full episode on the Marquee Sports Network app