Chicago Bears

Upon the conclusion of "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears," it's hard not to feel great about this team.

Yes, the Bears are 0-0. The true season doesn't start until Sunday at 1 p.m. when the team welcomes the Tennessee Titans into town.

But the good vibes have been rolling all preseason, which saw the Bears go 4-0. No. 1 overall draft pick, quarterback Caleb Williams, looks ready for prime time. The Bears look like they're gelling on and off the field, as their chemistry clearly shows en route to the season opener.

Take, for example, this interaction between star cornerback Jaylon Johnson and rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze.

.@RomeOdunze & @NBAxJay1 making each other better 🤝

Season finale of #HardKnocks with the @ChicagoBears airs tonight at 9pm ET on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/AmmphzTueA

— NFL (@NFL) September 3, 2024

We'll see if this all translates to regular season success soon enough, but for now, the fifth and final episode of "Hard Knocks" showcased the team wrapping up the preseason and making cutdowns to the 53-man roster.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles spoke about that difficulty.

GM Ryan Poles knows firsthand how difficult cut day can be.

Season Finale of #HardKnocks with the @ChicagoBears airs tonight at 9pm ET on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/NfstOonLs6

— NFL (@NFL) September 3, 2024

Poles was centerstage Tuesday for multiple reasons, obviously. One of them was a very tough cut of defensive back Adrian Colbert, a well-traveled veteran who has overcome tragedy, adversity and tremendous obstacles in his life to become an NFL player.

Colbert didn't make the final 53, and it clearly ate up Poles.

What a moment from Ryan Poles. You can tell his character and his care for his players isn't an act.

Also, it's impossible not to root for Adrian Colbert.

— Khari D. Thompson (kdthompson5.bsky.social) (@kdthompson5) September 4, 2024

Watching Poles get upset over Colbert actually hit like a damn truck 😔

— DJ Moore Fan Club (@DJMooreFC) September 4, 2024

The two sides ultimately separated on good terms.

Adrian Colbert on #Bears GM Ryan Poles, “Ryan has been really awesome. Such a great guy, such a great leader, very present with his players in creating this environment where players are allowed to be themselves fully.” https://t.co/AgBBtyGuVw

— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) September 4, 2024

Another was because the Bears got a trade offer on running back/wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., who eventually made the team. Chicago didn't make a move, though.

On the last episode of Hard Knocks, a conversation between Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus centered on a team inquiring about Velus Jones Jr. via a trade. Isn’t clear what was being offered but Poles said that he would “never go below a fourth.”

Jones was a 2022 third round pick.

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 4, 2024

Wow looks like there was a trade offer from another team for Velus Jones

But Poles was saying it was below a 4th round value

— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) September 4, 2024

It's pretty clear the team values him quite a bit.

The Bears were offered a draft pick for Velus Jones, but Poles said that he wouldn’t trade him for less than a 4th round pick. Chicago really values his versatility. #DaBears

— Ben Devine (@Chicago_NFL) September 4, 2024

Matt Eberflus had some strong words when talking about Velus Jones Jr. on the latest Hard Knocks:

"This guy is a potential game changer, for real. In certain spots."

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) September 4, 2024

Ultimately, it's been good vibes only for the Chicago Bears this preseason. Fans are pumped, to say the least.

That episode was amazing. Man did it give me goosebumps and make me emotional. I am so ready for this season. I really do believe something special is brewing #HardKnocks

— Beettus (@jakebeettus) September 4, 2024

Some #NFL fans were upset at the lack of drama with the #Bears on #HardKnocks, but what drama is there with this team? It’s year 3 for a roster that has been remade by Ryan Poles who values character and professionalism in his players. This group is focused winning and not drama.

— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) September 4, 2024

I really enjoyed watching my @ChicagoBears on @StreamOnMax Hard Knocks episodes. The Bears are going to have a great season this year! And as I've always said the @NFLDraft the Bears future is BRIGHT!!!! #HardKnocks #DaBears https://t.co/EQmwcTUqrp

— John P. Sivels Sr. (@JohnSivelsSr25) September 4, 2024

#HardKnocks was a great season. The no swearing policy, seeing genuine compassion for injured players, the GM taking time to critique players that were cut. The franchise feels like it's righted the ship. It feels great to be a #Bears fan. It's time for sustained success.

— Mike Nunez (@CoachNooner) September 4, 2024

My final takes on Bears #Hardknocks:

Bears are so back
Vibes in Chicago are through the roof
Sunday can’t come sooner#Bears.

— Tyler Buterbaugh (@TylerButerbaugh) September 4, 2024

@NFLFilms, @ChicagoBears, and Ryan Poles- As a high school teacher focused on #SEL, I am both motivated and moved when I see a customized #moodmeter in the players lockers. Self-awareness of our emotions is a superpower! I am in awe! #HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/uNm3bKKZJx

— Jennifer Wargin (@snapshoted) September 4, 2024

Super Bears, Super Bowl. #HardKnocks

— Jeff (@roltsports87) September 4, 2024

#HardKnocks was fantastic. Tonight was a cool way to wrap it all up. #BearDown

— Tad Brace (@TBrace20) September 4, 2024

#Hardknocks
Greatest episode by far
Many emotions and touched the heart
Great series. Loved every moment every episode
Offseason is over now
Regular season up next baby!!!

— diego… (@d1ego777_) September 4, 2024

Just finished #HardKnocks Been a long time since I’ve been so proud to be a @ChicagoBears fan. Loved seeing the realtionships the players, coaches and ownership created this summer. There is something special brewing in ChiTown! #BearDown

— outlaw sjl (@sjlilly) September 4, 2024

The episode ends, of course, with a shot of Williams centering himself during practice as the regular season rapidly nears.

Man, is it Sunday yet?!! I love this ending to #HardKnocks. #Bears pic.twitter.com/Zl7fAXc23g

— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) September 4, 2024

It's go time soon enough, as the Bears will kick off against the Titans on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback and 2024 No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is widely expected to live up to the projections that earned him his lofty draft status.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, a group of league executives and scouts predicted Williams would win the Rookie of the Year award this season. He received the same amount of votes as Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels but won the tiebreaker in the category. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye also received votes.

Fowler noted that some voters valued Daniels' skills as "a calm pocket passer who can take off for easy yards." However, Williams having a more ideal situation in Chicago is what separated him from the 2024 No. 2 pick.

"Caleb has the better supporting cast right now, which should bring the best out of him," an NFC exec said. "And with Chicago's struggles offensively over the years, if he has any sort of success in Year 1, he'll get the sentimental vote."

Williams will have a bevy of weapons at his disposal in his rookie season, as the Bears have a talented crop of skill position players that will surely help his chances of winning Rookie of the Year.

Chicago signed star receiver D.J. Moore to a massive extension, acquired veteran wideout Keenan Allen and drafted talented prospect Rome Odunze with the No. 9 pick to create one of the most dangerous pass-catching trios in the NFL. Add in tight end Cole Kmet and running back D'Andre Swift, and the Bears offense has the potential to make some real waves this season.

Meanwhile, Daniels has a top wide receiver on the outside in Terry McLaurin but not much behind him. Harrison also has lofty expectations as the Cardinals' presumptive No. 1 receiver despite being a rookie. Maye is set to start the year on the bench for the Patriots behind veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett.

It all creates a clear path for Williams to deliver on all predictions and claim the Rookie of the Year award by season's end.

Caleb Williams is already establishing himself as a leader in the Chicago Bears' locker room.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft was announced as one of eight captains for the Bears on Monday.

Aye, Aye, Captains 🫡 pic.twitter.com/JHH94gg6Db

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 2, 2024

Williams joined Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, DJ Moore, Kevin Byard, Cole Kmet, Jaylon Johnson, and Marcedes Lewis as captains for Chicago's 2024 campaign. The signal-caller is the only rookie on the team to earn the honor.

The overall number of players represents an increase over Chicago's four captains in 2023, with Moore and Edmunds earning the title in consecutive seasons.

Williams endeared himself to his teammates throughout the preseason, showcasing the arm talent and off-script playmaking that helped him win the 2022 Heisman Trophy with the Trojans. In two appearances, he completed 50 percent of his throws for 170 yards.

CALEB TO ROME 😱🔥

That rookie-to-rookie connection 😮‍💨

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/66U3OhAKV2

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 17, 2024

He wasn't able to record a passing touchdown or an interception, although he scored on the ground during Chicago's 27-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 17.

Caleb the Magician 🪄

📺: #CINvsCHI on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tuMxB7giTX

— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2024

"It's the fruits of his labor," Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said in regards to Williams' preseason success, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "He's been working his tail off in practices and even before that, all through the summer. It's good to be able to say that hey, all this drill work, all the things I've been doing, it's paying off and I can see the improvements."

Williams will now attempt to help the Bears get off to a strong start in Week 1 against a Tennessee Titans team that allowed 227.4 passing yards per game in 2023.

Kickoff is on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams says he studied veteran NFL quarterbacks including New York Jets star Aaron Rodgers while preparing for his rookie 2024 season.

Williams now hopes to emulate the passing accuracy of Rodgers and the Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford, as well as the mobility of the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes, he told NFL on NBC's Maria Taylor.

"I think, over the years, I've watched a bunch of different QBs," Williams said (9:37 mark.) "And then I would try, throughout the years, I would try and go in trainings and things like that, whether it was a play fake, whether it was a certain throw... Aaron Rodgers put his body in a weird throwing position to complete the pass, and things like that.

"I would try those things, so I think there's a collective of people that, depending on the play, depending on the pass and things like that, I can resemble."

Williams went on to say that he had spent the most time watching Rodgers and Stafford in order to study their passing abilities.

"Those two guys can put the ball, place the ball anywhere they want, at any time," Williams said. "And so, watching those two guys being able to rip the ball... those two guys have played at a high level for the longest time."

Williams added: "Being able to move around, and get out of stuff, like in the recent years, I would say Pat and his elusiveness in the pocket and things like that."

This is not the first time Williams has described his goal of emulating Rodgers. The No. 1 pick of the 2024 draft also praised the Jets veteran quarterback Thursday when speaking to Matt Spiegel and Mark Grote on 670 The Score.

"From a young age, I've worked his out-of-pocket stuff, trying to be as accurate as possible is another," Williams said (6:45 mark.)

"And I would say another one is, I learned this at a young age, the more the ball spins, the easier it is for a wide receiver to catch it. I learned that from him. And so, always trying to make sure that the ball has a spiral, its spin rate is up."

Williams continued: "One of my favorite throws, I think, is his first start vs. the Vikings. He's kind of rolling that left and he throws it kind of falling back, I guess, and throws it over his head, in between two or three people, and completes it for a touchdown... just the miraculous things that he can do in games, in the pocket, out of the pocket, when he's getting pulled down.

"He's always been pretty special, so looking up to him as QB, and trying to practice things that he's done, or that I've seen, has been a part of my practice and trainings."

.@AaronRodgers12’s first TD as a starter…😱 (Sept. 8, 2008)

📺: #TBvsGB— Sunday 3:05pm ET on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app pic.twitter.com/7PbkVTpw5W

— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) January 21, 2021

Bears fans will be watching to see if they can see any hint of vintage Rodgers in Williams' game when he makes his regular season NFL debut on Sept. 8 at home against the Tennessee Titans.

• Check out this video where Haize discusses Adrian Colbert's incredible journey from a childhood accident to his current NFL aspirations on Episode 4 of Hard Knocks. 🎥 

• Haize recounts Colbert's childhood accident, where he was hit by a car and spent days in a coma. 🚗 

• Colbert's unique coping mechanisms, like meditation and grounding practices, highlight his ongoing battle with trauma. 🧘‍♂️ 

• Haize emphasizes the emotional impact of Colbert's story, noting how it adds depth to the Hard Knocks series. ❤️ 

• The episode showcases Colbert's determination to make an NFL roster, whether it's with the Chicago Bears or another team. 🏈 

The video summary is powered by AI technology and human-reviewed. Related video content is human-created.

• Check out this video where Haize discusses Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler's ACL injury on Episode 4 of Hard Knocks. 📺 

• Haize highlights the real-time impact of Hard Knocks, showcasing Wheeler's journey from the moment of injury to the emotional aftermath. 🏈 

• Wheeler's close relationship with coach Chad Morton is emphasized, showing Morton's heartfelt support and encouragement during this challenging time. 🤝 

• In the episode, general manager Ryan Poles reassures Wheeler about his future with the Bears despite the injury, emphasizing the team's commitment to his recovery and long-term potential. 💪 

• The video contrasts the supportive culture of the Bears with the toxic environment of the Washington Commanders, as noted by Montez Sweat, highlighting the importance of a positive team atmosphere. 🌟 

• Haize praises the Bears for building a strong organization with good coaches and character, pointing out specific instances where team members rallied around Wheeler to lift his spirits. 🐻 

The video summary is powered by AI technology and human-reviewed. Related video content is human-created.

The penultimate episode of Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears aired on Tuesday, and it showcased the upstart team as it prepared for (and eventually won) its final preseason game, a 34-21 victory over the host Kansas City Chiefs.

The vibes are great in Chicago right now after a 4-0 preseason and rising expectations for a team now led by rookie quarterback and reigning No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, who's flanked by a much-improved roster.

This episode showed Williams' continued preparation, including watching gametape and practicing a proper spike.

It included other moments such as Rome Odunze and John Jackson shopping at a Woodman's Food Market, quarterbacks Tyson Bagent, Austin Reed and Brett Rypien traveling to Skydeck Chicago and offensive lineman Ryan Bates playfully ribbing rookie offensive lineman Theo Benedet after he got him Clorox wipes instead of requested Dude Wipes.

But there were ultimately two storylines here that hit hardest.

The first was via safety Adrian Colbert, who shared a story of a tragic near-death experience. At the age of nine, Colbert nearly died after being struck by a bicycle. He survived but was in a coma for two weeks and underwent an incredible ordeal.

Many fans recognized Colbert's perseverance and were stunned by what he told.

The Adrian Colbert story. I had no idea. Dude didn’t make the 53-man, but he’ll be easy to root for moving forward. His vibes are tremendous. #HardKnocks

— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) August 28, 2024

That Adrian Colbert story is insane. Wow

— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) August 28, 2024

Man, that’s a wild story about Adrian Colbert.

— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 28, 2024

Damn Adrian Colbert really tearing my heart apart

— K.E.U.🌵 (@shai_isthe_goat) August 28, 2024

This Adrian Colbert story is wild 😳 amazing that he could come back from that and still play football

— Justo (@Young_Justo) August 28, 2024

.@AdrianColbert27 came a long way to get here 🙏#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/iBzX16LJg8

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) August 28, 2024

Colbert has played six NFL seasons and is trying to break into the league for his seventh. Unfortunately, he did not make the final 53-man roster, but it's certainly possible he finds a home around the league post cut day.

The other heartwrenching moment occurred later in the week, as rookie running back Ian Wheeler, who had fared in training camp, suffered a torn ACL during the Chiefs game.

Wheeler had notably dominated recently against the Buffalo Bills two weeks with a pair of touchdowns. He is now on season-ending injured reserve.

Afterward, Wheeler and his mother, Beaura, who traveled to Kansas City, shared a moment postgame.

Mom's love lifts you up ❤️️#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/LqaRxUAaSJ

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) August 28, 2024

It was obviously an incredibly difficult moment for both, and fans were emotional afterward.

Watching the Ian Wheeler segment, knowing what it was building to, was like watching Revenge of the Sith knowing that Anakin is about to slay all those younglings. You knew what was gonna happen, but you still hoped that this time was gonna be different.

— Funky Cold Luda (Taylor’s Version) (@lcm1986) August 28, 2024

#HardKnocks episode 4, a gentle reminder that the players on the field are more than the number on the back of the jersey.

Human beings from all walks of life.

— Nolan (@nolpup) August 28, 2024

Watching Ian Wheeler hug his mom after knowing his dream of the NFL could be gone…. pic.twitter.com/WgwWs5wRd2

— Nick Whalen (@_NickWhalen) August 28, 2024

ian wheeler storyline pic.twitter.com/hiTX9LCqpx

— Charlie Wilson (@_charliewilson0) August 28, 2024

Ian Wheeler is so likable, such a shame he got injured 🥲

— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) August 28, 2024

Wheeler was seen speaking afterward in Chicago with general manager Ryan Poles, who essentially called 2024 a "redshirt" year for him at this point, and he appeared hopeful for his future. Hopefully he is able to come back 100 percent next year.

After watching Hard Knocks, there is no question that Ian Wheeler had made this club. Now it’s rehab and wait till next year. That can be a blessing as he can learn a lot even though he’s not playing and feel confident when the off-season program begins

— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) August 28, 2024

The last episode of the series will air on HBO and be available to stream on Max on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET. As for the Bears, their regular season begins Sunday, Sept. 8 at home against the Tennessee Titans.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams received the most votes from a poll of current NFL players asking the question: "Which rookie QB will have the most successful career?"

A poll of 103 NFL players from 25 teams conducted by ESPN's NFL Nation had Williams getting 34 votes. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (30) and Minnesota Vikings' signal-caller JJ McCarthy (10) rounded out the top three. The Atlanta Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. and Denver Broncos' Bo Nix tied for fourth at eight votes apiece.

It's no surprise that Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, is the clubhouse leader given his resume.

"His ceiling is probably the highest, but you've just got to get in the right situation," an NFC West player told ESPN when picking Williams.

"It's Caleb [with the most promising future], if the Bears figure out what they have," an AFC West player added.

Williams fared well in his two preseason games. His first effort resulted in 95 passing yards on 4-of-7 passing in addition to 13 rushing yards in a 33-6 road win over the Buffalo Bills.

Caleb Williams is MONEY on the run.

📺: #CHIvsBUF on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/otxvQ2oyCV

— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024

He then went 6-of-13 for 75 yards while adding a seven-yard touchdown run in a 27-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Caleb the Magician 🪄

📺: #CINvsCHI on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tuMxB7giTX

— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2024

Williams officially begins his NFL career on Sunday, Sept. 8 at home against the Tennessee Titans.

The NFL Nation poll featured a host of questions, including a ranking of the top quarterbacks and the most underrated quarterback.

Kansas City Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes received the former honor, while the San Francisco 49ers' Brock Purdy and the Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford tied for the latte.

The expectation is that Caleb Williams will be the top quarterback from the 2024 NFL draft. But that also carries with it the weight of pressure.

"Everybody is going to say Caleb, but bro, you realize you've got all that pressure," an NFC South player told ESPN when asked which rookie quarterback would have the best career. "There's a difference when you've got that pressure. And he put that pressure on himself. So, if he doesn't come out here like Patrick Mahomes level, then he's a bust in everybody's eyes."

One thing to note regarding Williams, however, is that he doesn't seem like the type of player who is easily rattled by pressure.

Confidence level on 💯 @CALEBcsw

New episode of #HardKnocks with the @ChicagoBears airs tonight at 9pm ET on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/Lp0jNv8nML

— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2024

"His ceiling is probably the highest, but you've just got to get in the right situation," an NFC West player told ESPN regarding Williams.

The Bears spent the offseason surrounding Williams with playmakers, drafting Rome Odunze with the No. 8 overall pick, signing running back D'Andre Swift and trading for veteran wideout Keenan Allen. It's the most loaded the team has been on offense in a long time, allowing Williams to potentially hit the ground running.

"It's Caleb [with the most promising future], if the Bears figure out what they have," an AFC West player added.

Expecting Williams to be Mahomes, of course, is a major ask. All Mahomes has done in his seven seasons is win three Super Bowls, reach the big game four times and win two MVP awards. Expecting anybody to have that level of success—Mahomes is on pace to have a Tom Brady-esque career—is unfair.

Williams doesn't have to be Mahomes to justify his selection or his hype. He does need to be a top-tier option at the position, however. If he does that, he'll be the best Chicago quarterback in years, and his selection will be remembered as a turning point for the franchise.

Montez Sweat is glad his time on the Washington Commanders is in the rearview mirror.

The Chicago Bears acquired the pass-rusher from Washington via trade during the 2023 season, and he didn't exactly reflect on fond memories during an interview with Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times that published Monday.

"It was a toxic, heavy toll, just losing and people around you being kind of OK with losing," Sweat said of his time with the Commanders. "It could sometimes rub off on you. You've gotta stay hungry and know that you want to win."

Washington selected Sweat with a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft, but it went just 28-45-1 during his four-plus seasons with the team.

While Chicago hasn't exactly been a consistent winner of late, the team looked much better with the pass-rusher helping lead the way down the stretch last season. It went 5-4 with him on the roster and held opponents to 20 points or less in its last six games.

Come for the Montez Sweat sack, stay for his dancing🕺

📺: #CHIvsCLE on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kw7mays4qU pic.twitter.com/QR45mh1zkX

— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2023

"I definitely made a transition to a better spot for me," Sweat said. "[Shoot], this was my first Pro Bowl and first double-digit sack year and all those types of things. I reached some accolades that I always had aspirations of getting, but never reached in Washington. You could definitely say it worked out better for me."

The 2023 Pro Bowler finished the season with a career-best 12.5 sacks, six of which came in nine games for Chicago.

Expectations are elevated for the Bears heading into the 2024 campaign with Sweat and many of the defensive leaders returning. Throw in a new-look offense featuring Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, D'Andre Swift, Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett, and anything less than a playoff appearance would be a disappointment.

Which is surely welcome news for Sweat, who was tired of the losing in Washington.