The Chicago Bears open 2024 training camp with rookie Caleb Williams, but the real story is the new O-line. Can Thuney & co. fix last year's sack problem?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The wait is over, Bears fans. Football is officially back in Lake Forest as the Chicago Bears opened training camp on Thursday. While the excitement around rookie Caleb Williams is palpable, the real story of this camp is being written in the trenches. Under new head coach Ben Johnson, the team's success hinges on a completely overhauled offensive line, a unit that's already facing its first major test: a three-way brawl for the starting left tackle position.
We're coming in with blank slates right now... we're going to let the competition play out and we'll see where it goes.
ESPN's preseason power rankings have the Bears pegged at a respectable No. 15, and the primary reason for that optimism is the massive investment in the offensive line. After allowing a league-high 68 sacks last season, GM Ryan Poles went on a shopping spree, bringing in veterans Joe Thuney (LG), Drew Dalman (C), and Jonah Jackson (RG). This new interior is designed to create a clean pocket for Williams and open lanes for the run game. Interestingly, despite the sack numbers, the Bears weren't terrible in line metrics last year, ranking 15th in pass block win rate (60.4%). With the new talent, expectations are for this unit to transform from a liability into a dominant strength.
The one unsettled spot on that new line is arguably the most important. Incumbent left tackle Braxton Jones, returning from offseason ankle surgery, is officially 'ready to go.' But he's not being handed the job. He'll face a stiff challenge from rookie Kiran Amegadjie and the versatile Ozzy Trapilo. Coach Johnson has made it clear that it's an open competition, embodying his 'blank slate' philosophy. Jones has the edge in experience, but all eyes will be on who performs best in pads as they fight for the right to protect the franchise quarterback's blindside.
While the offense is generating buzz, the defense received a dose of bad news. All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson is expected to miss several weeks of training camp with an undisclosed injury. His absence creates a significant hole in the secondary and puts pressure on the team's depth. This situation immediately creates a new, crucial camp battle, giving other cornerbacks a golden opportunity to prove they deserve a starting role. How the secondary holds up without its leader will be a key storyline through the preseason.
This camp marks the official beginning of the Ben Johnson era. His emphasis on competition is setting the tone for a team aiming to end a six-year NFC North title drought. For now, every team is 0-0, and the Bears sit atop the division standings alphabetically. The organization is capitalizing on the excitement, with social media buzzing about camp ticket giveaways and new renderings for the proposed lakefront stadium. It's a time of renewed hope and high stakes in Chicago.
The pads aren't on yet, but the battle lines have been drawn. The next few weeks in Lake Forest will determine the identity of this 2025 Bears team. From the crucial left tackle competition to the depth test in the secondary, the foundation for a run at the NFC North crown is being laid right now. Keep your eyes on the trenches; that's where this season will be won or lost.
