Chicago Bears host first practice of training camp at Halas Hall

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears' 2025 training camp runs from Wednesday to Aug. 28 at the team's headquarters at Halas Hall.

It's hard to count how many times the Bears have been crowned offseason champions only to fall short of expectations September through early January, but the level of excitement in Chicago feels different in 2025. The Bears landed the most sought-after head coaching candidate in Ben Johnson, significantly upgraded their weakest link (the offensive line) and have a team ready to contend around quarterback Caleb Williams.

The NFC North is once again a gauntlet, and the Bears have the longest odds to win the division at +450, according to ESPN Bet. But the way the team has been positioned to bounce back from a 5-12 finish has generated optimism.

How long does it take for the offense to establish its identity?

Chicago hired an offensive mastermind in Johnson, whose Detroit units led the NFL in points per game (29.0) during his three seasons as offensive coordinator (2022-24). While Johnson said he wasn't going to plop the Lions' playbook in front of Bears players, the characteristics of this scheme -- heavy play-action, pre-snap motion, strong pass protection and a dominant rushing attack -- are being established in Chicago.

Last season's Bears offense felt rudderless, so the quicker this unit can form its identity will play a direct role in Williams' second-year development. Johnson transformed Detroit into one of the most feared offenses in the NFL while turning around Jared Goff's career. The moves the Bears have made since his arrival -- like overhauling the interior of the offensive line and drafting a tight end with a top-10 pick -- show that Johnson's blueprint is being followed.