After coming just short of reaching the postseason during the 2023 season, the Chicago Bears are desperate to get over that hump as a franchise going into the upcoming 2024 season.

Following an offseason of major changes and additions to the roster, the Bears believe they now have more than enough to turn the corner this time around.

However, Bears fans are tired of hearing how good the team looks during the offseason and proving it on the field is the only thing that truly matters. That being said, here are three specific reasons why fans should expect things to be different for the Bears this upcoming season.

---

1. Much Improved Quarterback Play

It's no longer a debate, and frankly never should have been one. The Bears' quarterback position is going to see a major improvement in 2024 with first overall pick Caleb Williams throwing the ball instead of Justin Fields.

Williams is one of the best quarterback prospects to enter the league and for good reason. Already through the first phases of the offseason program, Williams' arm talent and leadership traits have been evident on the field at Halas Hall.

Having a passer who can make any throw on the field will allow the Bears offense to attack at any level after being very hyper focused on certain things in 2023. This Bears offense under Shane Waldron is going to be the most balanced unit the Bears have seen in years and the passing attack led by Williams could be one of the league's best.

---

2. Top Caliber Defense Returning

A main reason why the Bears saw the majority of their 2023 success came from the play of the team's defense led by head coach Matt Eberflus. After Eberflus took over play-calling duties and the unit added a Pro Bowl edge rusher in Montez Sweat, the Bears defense finished as one of the top units in football.

That same unit will be returning the majority of the top starters at all three levels with some new upgrades from what they had before such as safety Kevin Byard joining the secondary. The biggest thing for this unit will be having Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson returning after signing a new extension looking to build off his big year.

A full offseason of preparation will do wonders for this entire defense and having the sense of familiarity with the scheme and all the players has already proven to be a problem against the team's offense in practice. Just wait till we see what the unit truly looks like against other teams once the season rolls around.

---

3. Lighter Opponent Schedule

Easier games definitely makes for an easier road to the playoffs, but in the NFL, every game can be unpredictable. Nevertheless, according to the Bears' strength of schedule for the 2024 season, the team on paper has the third-easiest schedule in the entire league.

While that means essentially nothing at this point in the year, it's still something to consider. The Bears first half of the season appears to be ripe for the team to find early success. According to Sharp Football Analysis, the team is projected to have the easiest strength of schedule in the league during the first 10 weeks of the season, based on forecasted win totals that were updated when the schedules were released.

If this in fact holds true during the season, the Bears can overcome any early hiccups during the stretch and will hopefully be playing their best football during the final stretch against tougher opponents. Playing their best ball at the second half of the year while having a backloaded divisional schedule will also help the Bears' chances of getting into the playoffs if they can stack some wins in that span.

Four Bears not named Caleb Williams that can single handedly change the 2024 season

They’ll need to have a big season.