Over the last year, the fates of two NFL franchises have been conjoined at the hip: the Washington Commanders and the Chicago Bears.
It began last April. The Bears selected quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, allowing the Commanders to take Jayden Daniels at No. 2.
Early on in the season, early returns were that Daniels was the more talented signal-caller. That was even before Washington effectively ended the Bears' season by beating them on a Hail Mary miracle on the final play in Week 8.
Chicago didn't win another game until the final week of the regular season, finishing 5-12 after starting 4-2. The Commanders, meanwhile, went 12-5 and made the NFC Championship game.
Daniels was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Williams ranked down in 10th. Suffice it to say, Year 1 of this new rivalry went to Washington by TKO.
Bears trying to emulate Commanders' remarkable rise to prominence
This time around could be more interesting. If the moves the Bears have made thus far this offseason are any indication, they could be on the verge of a turnaround similar to the one Washington accomplished in 2024.
Their most important move was to bring in former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to replace Matt Eberflus as head coach. They have also taken significant steps to bolster their roster to maximize Williams' rookie contract.
The Bears have addressed their offensive line in a big way. This was a major concern a season ago when Williams was sacked a jarring 68 times.
They've signed center Drew Dalman in free agency. They acquired guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson via trade. All three should be considered upgrades on the interior protection based on their previous production.
Meanwhile, on defense, the Bears signed promising defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and former two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Grady Jarrett after he was cut by the Atlanta Falcons for some pass-rushing help.
Building through the trenches with immediate difference-makers is a growing trend around the league. Chicago hasn't been afraid to follow suit.
The Bears probably aren't done adding new faces. That's not even taking into account the 2025 NFL Draft, where they'll be selecting at No. 10 overall with seven picks in total — four of which are in the top 75.
Even in what figures to once again be a highly competitive NFC North, Chicago will benefit from a last-place schedule. They have a chance to compete for a playoff spot and potentially more.
Hopefully, the Commanders can do the same after a campaign for the ages under head coach Dan Quinn in 2024.
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