At this time last year, the Chicago Bears were a team that appeared to be turning a corner. They entered Week Seven with a 4–2 record, their optimism rising, only to suffer one of the most demoralizing losses in recent years. The infamous “Fail Mary” game against the Washington Commanders marked the start of a ten-game losing streak that derailed their season. Ultimately, it cost former head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff their jobs along the way.
Now fast forward to 2025, and this team is a night-and-day difference. Under the leadership of head coach Ben Johnson, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, and quarterback Caleb Williams, they are finding their rhythm, identity, and establishing a winning culture.
The New Monsters Of The Midway: Chicago’s Defense Is Setting The Tone
Unlike last year’s unit, which often folded late in games, this defense has become the backbone of Chicago’s resurgence in recent weeks. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds leads the way while playing at a Pro Bowl level. Through his first six games, Edmunds has recorded 61 tackles, three interceptions, and one sack. He is on pace for his most productive season since his rookie year with the Buffalo Bills. Edmunds’ presence in the middle has elevated everyone around him, which allows others to attack both freely and aggressively.
That renewed energy has sparked a ripple effect up front. Defensive linemen Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter, and Dominique Robinson have begun to heat up over the past couple of weeks. Each consistently collapses the pocket, forcing opposing quarterbacks into hurried throws and making costly mistakes.
The potential return of Grady Jarrett in week eight could provide a boost. If active, expect Jarrett to be a disruptive force in the middle. His presence may demand double teams and create opportunities for his teammates to “get home” to the quarterback.
Fans should not forget about edge rusher Austin Booker, who has yet to make his 2025 debut due to a preseason injury. If healthy and showing comfort within Allen’s scheme, Booker could see snaps opposite Sweat. This adds another dynamic pass-rushing presence to this aggressive front. After an impressive preseason showing, fans are eager to see him back on the field and contributing to a defense that is steadily finding its swagger.
In the secondary, safeties Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker have anchored from the back end. Cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson, Nashon Wright, Nick McCloud, Kyler Gordon, and Jaylon Jones have held their own up to this point. The Bears have not displayed this kind of defensive unity since Vic Fangio’s tenure as defensive coordinator. Others would say not since the Lovie Smith era, when takeaways and physicality were the team’s calling cards.
As Chicago prepares to take on the Baltimore Ravens, the defense’s confidence continues to grow. This game will test their discipline and tackling against Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and an offense built on misdirection and power. The team has a serious shot at securing its fifth straight victory. They can do so by containing Jackson, limiting Henry’s downhill bursts, and forcing the Ravens into predictable passing situations. This is certainly something Bears fans have not experienced in years.
Chicago’s Offensive Line Redemption Story
The biggest transformation lies within the trenches. Chicago’s offensive line had been a liability for years, but now, it has evolved into a position of strength. It all starts with Joe Thuney, who sets the tone for the unit. Through six games, he has yet to surrender a single sack or commit a penalty. This would be considered a model of both consistency and leadership.
On the opposite side, veteran Jonah Jackson has proven to be a dependable presence at right guard. He has formed a strong partnership with Darnell Wright, who is blossoming into an All-Pro caliber tackle. Finally, the emergence of second-year tackle Theo Benedet has provided stability on the blindside. Despite his struggles against the New Orleans Saints, Benedet continues showing improvement and could become a long-term answer for the team.
The collective efforts offensive line have opened the door for Chicago’s backfield tandem of D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai. The duo has powered an increasingly balanced offensive attack in recent weeks. Not only are the linemen driving the success of the run game, but the same can be said for their receiving threats. DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, and Colston Loveland are earning praise for their blocking, creating multiple explosive plays on the ground.
As coach Johnson has said, “No block, No rock”. This level of cohesion has allowed the team to control the pace of games, sustain long drives, and dictate tempo. This is something that has been missing for many years.
Keys To Success Against The Ravens
Looking ahead to their game against the Ravens, expect Chicago to lean on that same formula. Establishing the run early will be key to softening Baltimore’s aggressive front seven. If the Bears can find early success on the ground, it will open up the play-action game. This has been an area where Williams has thrived this season. For that to happen, he must make quick reads, stay poised in the pocket, and keep his eyes scanning the entire field.
Discipline and execution will once again define Chicago’s chances for success. Baltimore enters the week frustrated and searching for rhythm after consecutive losses. Their defensive front, however, remains one of the league’s most aggressive units. The Bears’ ability to neutralize that pressure could determine the outcome.
Chicago must continue leaning on both the trenches and their explosive backfield. The duo of D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai is starting to wear defenses down in recent weeks. This allows for setting up play-action opportunities for Williams. If the Bears control the time of possession early, it will force Baltimore to respect the run. This opens up vertical shots downfield for Moore, Rome Odunze, and rookie Luther Burden.
Chicago must win the battle up front. For years, the Ravens have thrived on creating chaos at the line of scrimmage. Fortunately, the Bears’ offensive line is playing its best football in years. Expect the team to pay special attention to keeping Williams clean against Baltimore’s disguised blitz packages.
Defensively, everything starts with limiting Jackson’s mobility. Chicago’s front seven must maintain disciplined rush lanes and avoid over-pursuit. Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Dominique Robinson, and Booker will need to set the edge and force Jackson to stay in the pocket. By doing so, the corners and safeties can make plays on the ball. Edmunds and TJ Edwards must be ready to spy and close quickly if and when Jackson escapes containment.
Perhaps the most underrated factor in the Bears’ recent success is how well all three phases have complemented each other. Coach Johnson has stressed complementary football in his locker room speeches this season. The offense sustains drives, the defense creates takeaways, and the special teams unit flips field position. Against a veteran Ravens team, maintaining balance and avoiding costly mistakes will be critical in order for the Bears to be successful.
End Of My Chicago Bears Rant
Despite the Ravens sitting at 1–5, this weekend’s game represents a potential statement game for Coach Johnson and the surging Bears. A win on the road against a proud, battle-tested franchise would further validate the team’s transformation from last year’s undisciplined group into a legitimate postseason contender.
For the Bears, it comes down to both focus and fundamentals. They must cut down on unnecessary penalties, particularly on the offensive side, and maintain composure for all 60 minutes. Johnson has emphasized accountability and precision all season, and this is the type of game where both will be tested.
Chicago has the momentum, confidence, and a favorable schedule on the horizon. This is their chance to strike while the iron’s hot and turn their successful start into a defining stretch. If they can execute with the same discipline and balance over their four-game stretch, the Bears will not just win in Baltimore but will send a message to their division and the rest of the league.
The message? The Monsters of the Midway are back.
