On Thursday, it was announced that the Chicago Bears would be featured on Hard Knocks this season. For those who are confused, yes two teams were selected to be on the show. However, the New York Giants are going to be featured on the offseason version of the show. You can find more information about that situation here.
But, it will be the Bears that will be featured and covered during training camp and the preseason. It’s safe to say they were a great choice.
Why The Bears Were Chosen
For starters, Chicago has never been featured on the show. Hard Knocks has been going on since 2001, which is quite a long time.
The Bears have a lot of intrigue surrounding them this season. After all, they have first-overall pick Caleb Williams at quarterback, who looks to turn the franchise around. The team moved on from Justin Fields this offseason and traded him to the Steelers, clearing the way for the USC product to take over as the starter for Chicago.
He will have solid weapons around him too. With another first-round pick, they selected wide receiver Rome Odunze from Washington to pair with Williams. The 6’3″ product was a top weapon during his time in college and joins a wide receiver corps that includes D.J. Moore and offseason trade acquisition Keenan Allen.
With those three wideouts, along with RB D’Andre Swift and TE Cole Kmet, gives the team’s rookie signal-caller a great offensive corps around him. Not to mention, the offensive line is a solid unit to help protect Williams.
2024 Can Be Their Year
Overall, the Bears will be the first team with a rookie quarterback to be selected on this show since 2018. Baker Mayfield and the Browns were featured that year.
After a 7-10 season last year with a now-upgraded roster, Chicago looks to show the world why they will be a team to root for this upcoming season. The defense was upgraded this offseason too. Acquistions include safeties Kevin Byard and Jonathan Owens while also re-signing CB Jaylon Johnson.
This will be the third year for head coach Matt Eberflus. It will be a make-or-break year for him as he tries to help bring this Chicago Bears team over .500.
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Featured Image: Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
