Even with the uneasiness of the unknown before the season, Chicago Bears fans felt a presence in the Windy City with the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson.
With all the additions to the team made by general manager Ryan Poles, the Bears felt different from the 2024 team. There was a confidence that wasn't nearly there last year, despite the low expectations for this season.
Nobody could have predicted that the Bears would be 9-3, in first place in the NFC North, and be the number one seed in the NFC entering Week 14. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, though, knew the potential for this moment was there for the team.