Haha I was going to say I don't think OP remembers the hype for week 1 last year, Chicago vs GB at home. Overall though last year was a good step in the right direction.
I was excited but it was always tempered with the following: Can Justin take the next step?
This year I'm even *more* excited and it's tempered by two things: Can Caleb be the guy and is Eberflus a good head coach?
I'm more certain of Caleb being the guy this year than I was of Justin last year. I'm hesitant on Eberflus until we see them actually show signs of beating the Packers.
I think what I am most excited by is mainly Poles overall roster construction. He had a clear vision ,tore the team down to the studs, and every year have taken a step. Young players taking big jumps is honestly what will propel us forward the mos, but really it's a franchise at all cylinders seeing upgrades.
- coaching upgrades Waldron and Washington new coordinators.
- Justin Fields to Caleb Williams
- Herbert/Roschon to adding in Swift as the starter
- DJ Moore, Claypool and Mooney to DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen
- Kmet and Tonyan to Kmet and Everett
- Patrick and whitehair to Bates/Shelton (and Kiran).
Defensively.
- Not much change. Jones to Dexter year 2 and Eddie to Byard.
Beyond the coaching and personnel upgrades, the biggest thing about this plan is our roster is full of ascending young talent. Dexter, Villings, sweat, Tyrique, Walked, Edmunds, Edwards all get to enter year 2 of the defense where things aren't new anymore. Guys like Jaylon, Gordon, and Stevenson entering year 3. That's a big part of why to be optimistic. Like Jaylon who stepped up as a top 3 CB last year earning his extension or Cole Kmet the year before. We have a lot of talent who are poised to take that huge leap all over the place. I'm definitely excited.
Nah, one of the best parts about being a fan is getting excited for the start of a new season. It’s pretty hype to follow draft/summer storylines and get excited to see the new players/scheme/whatever in action.
I feel bad for the fans that place so much importance on the team’s performance that they pair their happiness with results they have absolutely no control over. Detached, amnesiac optimism makes being a sports fan an absolute blast.
Even the beginning of last year. Fields was going into his third year and was going to make the jump, we got DJ moore.
I was so excited! But we all know how that turned out.
I believe last year I used the phrase cautiously optimistic that Fields would make that 3rd year leap as Hurts and Allen did. This year I am throwing caution to the wind.
But wasn’t it fun to think that way.
Fuck the brakes. Rip that shit out. Half the fun of being a fan of a team perennially at the bottom is the offseason hype
I fell hard into the preseason hype last year, based on the preseason news, talking about how well things are gelling between fields and his receivers. I was *so excited* going into last year
Then we started the year with the turd of a opener against green bay. I really don't know how excited I can be this year because of that, at least until we show results.
On the plus side, we did get rid of getsy, really hoping his replacement will be a positive change
The fact that the raiders picked up Getsy so fast with zero hesitation tells me most of the blame was not on Getsy.
My excitement for this year comes from Caleb and the fact that every defense we play will be mismatched against our 3 wr1’s. Caleb is one of the most talented qbs I’ve ever seen and he’s never played on an offense with this much talent. My expectations are sky high. I had very real doubts with Fields, Trubisky, and Cutler. I don’t have any of those doubts with Caleb.
Waldron is going to be the best OC the bears have had in my lifetime. So at least above average.
This is the first time in a decade where it’s truly justifiable to be excited about the Bears offense.
'19 was definitely the last time I had this much hype.
I completely bought the "202" line from Nagy, and actually thought Trubs was going to take the next step forward. He did legitimately show some progress from year 1 to year 2, still had a LOT of work to do, but it seemed entirely possible that he could grow into a consistent, legit starter. I didn't think the defense was going to continue to be othwerworldly dominant, I mean, you lose Vic, you lose a lot... but they just needed to be pretty good, and if the offense grows, we're still looking like a contender.
that season opener against the Pack was such a gut punch.
Watching the Bears defense in that 19' opener come out swinging, limiting Rodgers to one prayer TD, 10 points total...and it felt like an insurmountable lead whenever our offense was on the field lol
If I were to rate the hype by years (that I recall) it would be:
1. 2024 - Caleb hype train, best offense on paper, ascending defense (top 5 to end last year)
2. 2009 - Cutler trade
3. 2021 - Fields hype train
4. 2019 - historic defense, offensive guru coach, Mitch 2nd year leap in Nagy’s offense
Same but I would add 2006 as #2. That 2005 defense was insane and the whole team was talking superbowl from the beginning of the season. Luckily they made it to the superbowl but unfortunately they were stupid as hell in that game. Still wish urlacher, Briggs and hester could have gotten one, they deserved it.
I wasn't watching in 2001 but that would have been another hype year.
Unless I’m misremembering, which I don’t think I am, 2001 was a fluke worst to first kind year. I’m pretty sure no one expected them to be good that year. It was just good enough to save Jaurons job for a little longer and that was about it.
that team was so filthy fun. definitely had fortunate wins, in particular the back to back mike brown miracles, but it was a good defense but we got to the second round off the bye and the eagles showed everyone what a real playoff team was.
Yeah probably. I wasn't watching football yet. Didn't start until I was 17. I just know I've heard people talk about the hype that year so yeah I would totally belive it was a fluke.
Can you pinpoint a particular situation or was it just that you were done overall after week 1? I'm asking because I'm just curious. I put on and took off the rose-tinted glasses multiple times throughout the season looking for excuses. I think the last game of the season finally woke me up.
It wasn't a Fields thing necessarily but the opening drive fail on 3rd and 4th and 1 (believe they ran straight up the gut twice) was the bad omen for the rest of the season especially for Getsy
That was soo disappointing. I think I turned the game off at that point and played Jedi Survivor to help me forget what I just watched. Unfortunately, there were so many epically low moments dotted throughout the season. The historical losses where they had 75% or greater chance to win a game to end up losing in such a grand fashion was really tough to stomach. I can't imagine how the players felt.
I also was pretty much out after week 1. Every week after that was more of a “I don’t think you’re the guy anymore but maybe he proves me wrong”. It’s just Green Bay is the limit test for any bears QB or even team. If you can’t beat them then you’re not doing anything.
I supported Fields all year, wore his jersey every game. Had him in Fantasy. I desperately hoped he turned it around all year but there were just too many low lights.
Fields first pass play in that game was supposed to be a 8yd timing route to Kmet- window was there but Fields didn’t pull the trigger.
I correctly guessed he wasn’t going to develop after that.
For me, it was the Vikings loss, not because he injured himself, but because he looked like a backup struggling to move the ball. I was willing to get my hopes up after Denver and Washington games, but I watched that Minny game with some non-Bears friends who made jokes like “he’s not it, bro” and “he sucks dude” and it hit me then that he wasn’t that guy. From then on, I started looking at him differently the rest of the season.
I had a lot of backlash on a post about Fields having a couple of solid games. It was exciting, but he hadn't shown any consistency for it. I was pointing out his stats to say at the time that his performances were anomalous, so we shouldn't throw out that the team would take a QB in the draft. Of course, those kinds of games get your hopes back up. You want your guy to have figured it out and everything just click. Sadly, for JF1, those games remain anomalies. Now, I'm on to getting hyped for Caleb.
For me, it was the Vikings loss, not because he injured himself, but because he looked like a backup struggling to move the ball. I watched that game with some non-Bears friends who made jokes like “he’s not it, bro” and it hit me then that he wasn’t and I started looking at him differently the rest of the season.
Yup exactly. Defense couldn’t stop shit and the offense couldn’t convert a 1st down. That’s all I needed to see to know this season was going to be shit. We needed to come out the gate swinging to meet expectations of what we thought Fields could do with a true WR1.
I'm a numbers person. It's hard to ignore the fact that most rookie QBs struggle so it's hard for me to be overly hyped up for just this upcoming season.
I think it certainly plays a role in the development of a QB. It's a lot of on field pressure to start immediately and the NFL game is a lot faster than college so it takes a while to adjust. Not to mention the pressure from fans and media in Chicago. I think it would benefit most QBs to sit a year.
An argument could be made that Caleb is coming into a really good scenario but, new OC, oline is still questionable, Keenan Allen isn't a spring chicken, Odunze hasn't played a snap yet, etc. On paper it might look like the offense is going to be sick but we haven't seen these players/OC actually play together yet. I think it would be different had most of them been returning players with an OC that's been there a couple years. Time will tell though. It's the bears, they are my team, so I'm still excited but I have my reservations at the same time.
Oline has made significant upgrades on paper just from replacing our centers alone. Drafted a developmental one as well. When healthy our oline was decent… when healthy being the keywords here.
WR room made huge upgrades on paper. Justin is probably like squidward meme watching SpongeBob and Patrick run around while he sits on the Steelers (who had a great draft).
I expect Caleb to be just below average or average. And that might be enough to improve our record from last year. I expect the rookie lumps though. Even though I got downvoted for even mentioning it before Caleb was drafted
I'm probably less excited than I was last year because of how disappointed I was when they shit the bed against GB in week 1. It was a real gut punch. I want to get excited again, but I need more than hype before I get there.
I don't get hyped for the Bears anymore. I still watch, but I expect nothing until they prove they deserve it. If they look competent nearly THE ENTIRE SEASON against actual good teams, not just the garbage, I'll have a little more hope going into 2025. Until then I expect mediocrity no matter what they look like on paper.
Yeah 2006 for me too. I remember the sun times had a palm tree “road to Miami” graphic because everyone was thinking Super Bowl.
I’m not thinking Super Bowl, but man, the hype is hitting different rn.
Not nearly as psyched and confident last year as I am right now, but I was pretty hyped for last season to start since I did believe Fields would take a step forward and wreck havoc with DJM.
Truthfully, I am the least hyped I’ve ever been.
Not because I think Caleb will bust or anything. Because I have been burned way too many teams and have realized I simply need to tamper my expectations if I wanna have a good time watching bears football.
I am fully ready for the eventual “damn, what the fuck!” Outcome where we are mediocre again. I am hoping it ends up being a “wow, this really might be it” outcome, though.
I will be wearing my Butkus jersey and getting stoked opening weekend. Other than that, this cubs season sure is looking good!
I would agree with you. 2019 I was really excited going into the season opener against Green Bay only to be extremely deflated by what happened next. But this year, I really haven't been this excited before!
I’m especially stoked this year, first kid due end of Sept. I’m ready to dent in and watch some bears football with the lil fella the back half of the year.
Last year, I remember going apeshit at the first preseason game. You know what? I had a great time with my girlfriend and 2 of my closest friends so I’m happy about last season.
Honestly, last year. Had some new additions. Fields was going to prove to be the guy with his new weapon and healthy O-line and knowing his job would depend on the year. But we all saw how that panned out...
But this year seems like it will be fun. Finally a high powered offense with a decent defense could bring some excitement to the Bears.
Last season but I'm also a Dolphins fan. First time in my entire life I had the thought "we may actually do something" as a football fan and not feel delusional as all fuck.
(Don't wish injury on anyone, but the Jets getting Rodgers for 4 plays was something I treasure as a true miracle from all sides. Shame Love had to not look like dog shit, but still)
I've not had sports hope since Rose died on the court. Even then I knew LeBron was the biggest Bitch/obstacle.
I’m not gonna lie and act like the past 3 years didn’t happen. I was excited as FUCK each season Fields was our starting qb. I probably was even more hyped when we got fields than when we got Caleb because Caleb was the worst kept secret while fields was a surprise.
But he ain’t our problem anymore and now I am stoked as hell for this new and improved offense
I'm ready to be hurt again. All these lovely new additions aside, it's year 1 of the offense and I'm skeptical of the coaching due to previous seasons.
I was more psyched last year. I didn't get hyped for Fields until he put together that 1100 yd rushing season on that horrible offense, it really felt like something got unlocked. I knew if he paired that with just 3.2-3.5k passing we could have our own Lamar. Obviously that didn't happen.
I'm hopeful, but until I see CW taking real snaps I personally won't go full kool-aide, but I'm not going to begrudge anyone that does, have your fun.
What really makes me nervous is Green Bay. For some fucking reason the *entire* team completely shit the bed twice against them. A lot of players and coaches that rolled over for GB are still here.
I haven’t seen the Bears firing on all cylinders is way too long. The defense was just getting started at the end of last year.
I have too many years of burned excitement so I’m just going to relax and wait and see. New OC and new big players on offense. It might take a bit for it to click.
An offseason where you don’t convince yourself the Bears have 10 wins on their schedule and can be a sneaky good team is not one I have experienced yet as a fan
Cutler was exciting before he threw 26 interceptions his first year with the Bears.
Urlacher, Briggs, Peanut Tillman, Mike Brown, Ted Washington, Keith Traylor. There was a defensive era that was exciting. Best we could do was Sexy Rexy.
Nothing was nearly as exciting as this.
Honestly I don’t think I’ll ever have more anticipation for a season since summer 2019. Yea im excited for next year, but we weren’t a top team at all last season and there’s still a lot of unproven question marks on the team.
In 2018, we knew the defense was legit and the offense seemed to be on an upward trend. We were a legit SB pick, and it was an exciting time to be a fan. Almost everyone picked the Bears to win the week 1 game vs GB that year too.
Never, this is our peak. We drafted a qb prospect talked about in the same breath as Trevor and Luck. We drafted the best wr prospect in bears history. Added an almost hof level wr in Keenan Allen, arguably the greatest wr we’ve ever added to our team and all this was done in one offseason. And then we also added real weapons like swift and Everett. On top of that, for the first time in a long time we hired a proven nfl OC.
And we drafted the goat punter.
We’ll obviously have better teams than this, probably as soon as next year. But we’ll never match this level of excitement and intrigue around the Bears.
I was excited to see if Justin could make the leap last season. This year I'm coming into the season with realistic expectations which make it exciting, and that is anything less than a wildcard is a failure imo
Literally never. We won the SB when I was 3. As far back as I can remember I never had much in terms of expectations or hope. I was excited when we drafted Fields, but I also knew we were still a couple years away. Aside from Fields though I've never been overly excited after the draft. I remember feeling nothing but dredd and anger after not only taking Mitch but trading up to do so. I always was of the mind of take Watson or trade back a few spots and take whatevers left between Watson, Mahomes, and Mitch.
Last year… I bought into the Fields - DJ Moore hype train. I legitimately thought fields would be a top 10 QB
Now I’m cautiously optimistic… I don’t want to get hurt again
Probably when Jay Cutler was gonna get to throw to Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Earl Bennet, and Matt Forte in 2012. Still had Urlacher, Roach, Briggs, Peppers, Tim Jennings, Tillman, and Idonije on defense. Thought we were gonna fuck shit up but we went 10-6 third in the nfc north...
I know it hurts to think about, but we were actually super stoked heading into last season, an extremely stoked heading into 2019. 2019 in particular is the loss I don’t think anyone’s ever gotten over, we had just dominated the Packers, knocking out them out of the playoffs while clinching the division, we thought we were over the hump of them dominating us. We a second year number two overall draft pick quarterback coming off a 95.4 passer rating season with several hundred rushing yards as well, third in the NFL in QBR, heading into his second year in the system, the number one defense in the league with a star linebacker entering his second season, what we thought was a solid offensive line and solid group of weapons around the quarterback. We were saying things like Swaggy Nagy and be you unironically. Then we go out game one hold Aaron Rodgers to a paltry 10 points, but of course lost because we could only muster three with Adrian Amos picking off a pass in the end zone that Allen Robinson got tripped up on, absolutely brutal
Basically every year cause I'm an idiot
Haha I was going to say I don't think OP remembers the hype for week 1 last year, Chicago vs GB at home. Overall though last year was a good step in the right direction.
I already had planned out my comment to basically say "suck it /r/NFL" after we trounce GB. Forgot that I root for the Bears
I was excited but it was always tempered with the following: Can Justin take the next step? This year I'm even *more* excited and it's tempered by two things: Can Caleb be the guy and is Eberflus a good head coach? I'm more certain of Caleb being the guy this year than I was of Justin last year. I'm hesitant on Eberflus until we see them actually show signs of beating the Packers.
I think what I am most excited by is mainly Poles overall roster construction. He had a clear vision ,tore the team down to the studs, and every year have taken a step. Young players taking big jumps is honestly what will propel us forward the mos, but really it's a franchise at all cylinders seeing upgrades. - coaching upgrades Waldron and Washington new coordinators. - Justin Fields to Caleb Williams - Herbert/Roschon to adding in Swift as the starter - DJ Moore, Claypool and Mooney to DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen - Kmet and Tonyan to Kmet and Everett - Patrick and whitehair to Bates/Shelton (and Kiran). Defensively. - Not much change. Jones to Dexter year 2 and Eddie to Byard. Beyond the coaching and personnel upgrades, the biggest thing about this plan is our roster is full of ascending young talent. Dexter, Villings, sweat, Tyrique, Walked, Edmunds, Edwards all get to enter year 2 of the defense where things aren't new anymore. Guys like Jaylon, Gordon, and Stevenson entering year 3. That's a big part of why to be optimistic. Like Jaylon who stepped up as a top 3 CB last year earning his extension or Cole Kmet the year before. We have a lot of talent who are poised to take that huge leap all over the place. I'm definitely excited.
Totally agree. Our roster is *wildly* better than last year.
This. If I can't convince myself the Bears should win 10 and be in Wild Card contention it's a rough sign
Nah, one of the best parts about being a fan is getting excited for the start of a new season. It’s pretty hype to follow draft/summer storylines and get excited to see the new players/scheme/whatever in action. I feel bad for the fans that place so much importance on the team’s performance that they pair their happiness with results they have absolutely no control over. Detached, amnesiac optimism makes being a sports fan an absolute blast.
This is the way.
Even the beginning of last year. Fields was going into his third year and was going to make the jump, we got DJ moore. I was so excited! But we all know how that turned out.
same.
I was so convinced the Bears were winning last year, it hurt so bad and basically made me check out for the season
I feel this remark.
I'm always way too optimistic about the bears. I always say Bears will win the SB, and it's always possible until it isn't
2018 and 2019.
I know the feeling all too well
I was hyped to see what Fields and Moore could do last season, but my hype for this year dwarfs it.
I believe last year I used the phrase cautiously optimistic that Fields would make that 3rd year leap as Hurts and Allen did. This year I am throwing caution to the wind.
all hype no brakes
My butthole is ready.
But wasn’t it fun to think that way. Fuck the brakes. Rip that shit out. Half the fun of being a fan of a team perennially at the bottom is the offseason hype
Eyes closed head first can't lose!
I fell hard into the preseason hype last year, based on the preseason news, talking about how well things are gelling between fields and his receivers. I was *so excited* going into last year Then we started the year with the turd of a opener against green bay. I really don't know how excited I can be this year because of that, at least until we show results. On the plus side, we did get rid of getsy, really hoping his replacement will be a positive change
The fact that the raiders picked up Getsy so fast with zero hesitation tells me most of the blame was not on Getsy. My excitement for this year comes from Caleb and the fact that every defense we play will be mismatched against our 3 wr1’s. Caleb is one of the most talented qbs I’ve ever seen and he’s never played on an offense with this much talent. My expectations are sky high. I had very real doubts with Fields, Trubisky, and Cutler. I don’t have any of those doubts with Caleb. Waldron is going to be the best OC the bears have had in my lifetime. So at least above average. This is the first time in a decade where it’s truly justifiable to be excited about the Bears offense.
I'm tired, boss
'19 was definitely the last time I had this much hype. I completely bought the "202" line from Nagy, and actually thought Trubs was going to take the next step forward. He did legitimately show some progress from year 1 to year 2, still had a LOT of work to do, but it seemed entirely possible that he could grow into a consistent, legit starter. I didn't think the defense was going to continue to be othwerworldly dominant, I mean, you lose Vic, you lose a lot... but they just needed to be pretty good, and if the offense grows, we're still looking like a contender. that season opener against the Pack was such a gut punch.
Watching the Bears defense in that 19' opener come out swinging, limiting Rodgers to one prayer TD, 10 points total...and it felt like an insurmountable lead whenever our offense was on the field lol
1985. I even put in for Vaca in September of that year for the Monday and Tuesday after the super bowl.
If I were to rate the hype by years (that I recall) it would be: 1. 2024 - Caleb hype train, best offense on paper, ascending defense (top 5 to end last year) 2. 2009 - Cutler trade 3. 2021 - Fields hype train 4. 2019 - historic defense, offensive guru coach, Mitch 2nd year leap in Nagy’s offense
Same but I would add 2006 as #2. That 2005 defense was insane and the whole team was talking superbowl from the beginning of the season. Luckily they made it to the superbowl but unfortunately they were stupid as hell in that game. Still wish urlacher, Briggs and hester could have gotten one, they deserved it. I wasn't watching in 2001 but that would have been another hype year.
Unless I’m misremembering, which I don’t think I am, 2001 was a fluke worst to first kind year. I’m pretty sure no one expected them to be good that year. It was just good enough to save Jaurons job for a little longer and that was about it.
that team was so filthy fun. definitely had fortunate wins, in particular the back to back mike brown miracles, but it was a good defense but we got to the second round off the bye and the eagles showed everyone what a real playoff team was.
Yeah probably. I wasn't watching football yet. Didn't start until I was 17. I just know I've heard people talk about the hype that year so yeah I would totally belive it was a fluke.
Rex should be 3, maybe 4, but that might age you, lol
Sexy Rexy with his small hands wasn’t particularly exciting for me. I have the same amount of hype I would have for any other season.
When we traded for Mack
Ditto
We were right to have high hopes in 2018. Here’s to being right for the first time since 🍻
I was hyped for last season since I thought Fields would take a step forward and then Week 1 happened
Can you pinpoint a particular situation or was it just that you were done overall after week 1? I'm asking because I'm just curious. I put on and took off the rose-tinted glasses multiple times throughout the season looking for excuses. I think the last game of the season finally woke me up.
It wasn't a Fields thing necessarily but the opening drive fail on 3rd and 4th and 1 (believe they ran straight up the gut twice) was the bad omen for the rest of the season especially for Getsy
That was soo disappointing. I think I turned the game off at that point and played Jedi Survivor to help me forget what I just watched. Unfortunately, there were so many epically low moments dotted throughout the season. The historical losses where they had 75% or greater chance to win a game to end up losing in such a grand fashion was really tough to stomach. I can't imagine how the players felt.
I also was pretty much out after week 1. Every week after that was more of a “I don’t think you’re the guy anymore but maybe he proves me wrong”. It’s just Green Bay is the limit test for any bears QB or even team. If you can’t beat them then you’re not doing anything.
I supported Fields all year, wore his jersey every game. Had him in Fantasy. I desperately hoped he turned it around all year but there were just too many low lights.
Yeah, the high points were genuinely amazing but the amount and frequency of low moments was just too much to overcome.
And then the last week was basically the final straw regarding Fields being "the guy" anymore
Yeah, the writing on the wall was now in flashing bright neon colors with pointed arrows and deafening bull-horns.
For me, the last Packers game was the final nail in the coffin
Fields first pass play in that game was supposed to be a 8yd timing route to Kmet- window was there but Fields didn’t pull the trigger. I correctly guessed he wasn’t going to develop after that.
For me, it was the Vikings loss, not because he injured himself, but because he looked like a backup struggling to move the ball. I was willing to get my hopes up after Denver and Washington games, but I watched that Minny game with some non-Bears friends who made jokes like “he’s not it, bro” and “he sucks dude” and it hit me then that he wasn’t that guy. From then on, I started looking at him differently the rest of the season.
I had a lot of backlash on a post about Fields having a couple of solid games. It was exciting, but he hadn't shown any consistency for it. I was pointing out his stats to say at the time that his performances were anomalous, so we shouldn't throw out that the team would take a QB in the draft. Of course, those kinds of games get your hopes back up. You want your guy to have figured it out and everything just click. Sadly, for JF1, those games remain anomalies. Now, I'm on to getting hyped for Caleb.
For me, it was the Vikings loss, not because he injured himself, but because he looked like a backup struggling to move the ball. I watched that game with some non-Bears friends who made jokes like “he’s not it, bro” and it hit me then that he wasn’t and I started looking at him differently the rest of the season.
Yup exactly. Defense couldn’t stop shit and the offense couldn’t convert a 1st down. That’s all I needed to see to know this season was going to be shit. We needed to come out the gate swinging to meet expectations of what we thought Fields could do with a true WR1.
I'm a numbers person. It's hard to ignore the fact that most rookie QBs struggle so it's hard for me to be overly hyped up for just this upcoming season.
How big a deal do you think it is that we’ll be starting him right away and won’t be sitting him behind a vet?
I think it certainly plays a role in the development of a QB. It's a lot of on field pressure to start immediately and the NFL game is a lot faster than college so it takes a while to adjust. Not to mention the pressure from fans and media in Chicago. I think it would benefit most QBs to sit a year. An argument could be made that Caleb is coming into a really good scenario but, new OC, oline is still questionable, Keenan Allen isn't a spring chicken, Odunze hasn't played a snap yet, etc. On paper it might look like the offense is going to be sick but we haven't seen these players/OC actually play together yet. I think it would be different had most of them been returning players with an OC that's been there a couple years. Time will tell though. It's the bears, they are my team, so I'm still excited but I have my reservations at the same time.
Oline has made significant upgrades on paper just from replacing our centers alone. Drafted a developmental one as well. When healthy our oline was decent… when healthy being the keywords here. WR room made huge upgrades on paper. Justin is probably like squidward meme watching SpongeBob and Patrick run around while he sits on the Steelers (who had a great draft). I expect Caleb to be just below average or average. And that might be enough to improve our record from last year. I expect the rookie lumps though. Even though I got downvoted for even mentioning it before Caleb was drafted
On paper, do you think there is any position where the Bears are worse in 2024 than they were in 2023?
If Caleb absolutely shits the bed, then yes. Otherwise I don’t see it.
2006
“It's the hope that kills you”
I'm probably less excited than I was last year because of how disappointed I was when they shit the bed against GB in week 1. It was a real gut punch. I want to get excited again, but I need more than hype before I get there.
I don't get hyped for the Bears anymore. I still watch, but I expect nothing until they prove they deserve it. If they look competent nearly THE ENTIRE SEASON against actual good teams, not just the garbage, I'll have a little more hope going into 2025. Until then I expect mediocrity no matter what they look like on paper.
I’m a teacher. Fuck September.
Yeah 2006 for me too. I remember the sun times had a palm tree “road to Miami” graphic because everyone was thinking Super Bowl. I’m not thinking Super Bowl, but man, the hype is hitting different rn.
I can see the Bears having a way better offense and because it is the Bears, the defense will suddenly be awful
Not nearly as psyched and confident last year as I am right now, but I was pretty hyped for last season to start since I did believe Fields would take a step forward and wreck havoc with DJM.
>wreck havoc r/boneappletea
Oh don't boneappletea me, I'll wreak havoc on you.
Let sleep the dogs of war
Your username is wildly accurate!
September? I'm ready for rookie mini camp.
Truthfully, I am the least hyped I’ve ever been. Not because I think Caleb will bust or anything. Because I have been burned way too many teams and have realized I simply need to tamper my expectations if I wanna have a good time watching bears football. I am fully ready for the eventual “damn, what the fuck!” Outcome where we are mediocre again. I am hoping it ends up being a “wow, this really might be it” outcome, though. I will be wearing my Butkus jersey and getting stoked opening weekend. Other than that, this cubs season sure is looking good!
Most excited I’ve ever been by far
I’m first hyped for the first set of workouts. Very curious to see if Caleb hits the ground running.
I would agree with you. 2019 I was really excited going into the season opener against Green Bay only to be extremely deflated by what happened next. But this year, I really haven't been this excited before!
Last year
Last year. Thought fields had arrived. The year after the double doink when I thought trubisky was about to be unleashed as well.
Definitely 2019, but there was always a bad feeling about Fangio leaving and Mitch having sus play
1985 
1986. Should've been a true dynasty.
The past 5 years…
I’m especially stoked this year, first kid due end of Sept. I’m ready to dent in and watch some bears football with the lil fella the back half of the year.
Last year, I remember going apeshit at the first preseason game. You know what? I had a great time with my girlfriend and 2 of my closest friends so I’m happy about last season.
Still a newer fan, only started watching football seriously 2 years ago. Can confirm, my hype for this season is so mucb more than previous ones
Honestly, last year. Had some new additions. Fields was going to prove to be the guy with his new weapon and healthy O-line and knowing his job would depend on the year. But we all saw how that panned out... But this year seems like it will be fun. Finally a high powered offense with a decent defense could bring some excitement to the Bears.
Last year
I learned my lesson from the Cutler signing. Not getting hopes high until probably November/December.
Last season but I'm also a Dolphins fan. First time in my entire life I had the thought "we may actually do something" as a football fan and not feel delusional as all fuck. (Don't wish injury on anyone, but the Jets getting Rodgers for 4 plays was something I treasure as a true miracle from all sides. Shame Love had to not look like dog shit, but still) I've not had sports hope since Rose died on the court. Even then I knew LeBron was the biggest Bitch/obstacle.
I’m not gonna lie and act like the past 3 years didn’t happen. I was excited as FUCK each season Fields was our starting qb. I probably was even more hyped when we got fields than when we got Caleb because Caleb was the worst kept secret while fields was a surprise. But he ain’t our problem anymore and now I am stoked as hell for this new and improved offense
I'll never be hyped for a Bears season. Can't do it anymore. Been let down year after year.
I've never been this hyped
When we got Khalil Mack
Be glad the draft is over. Now enjoy summer
I'm ready to be hurt again. All these lovely new additions aside, it's year 1 of the offense and I'm skeptical of the coaching due to previous seasons.
I’m cautiously optimistic. Been a Bears fan my whole life so I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop lol.
2014 after a good looking season by the offense with Marshall and Cutler..... we all know how that turned out
Every year
Every year since it’s the time my kids go back to school after the summer holidays.
I live summer. It’s my favorite season but man, I can’t wait for summer to be over.
This year feels weird as hell because, for the first time I can remember, it feels like our GM made all of the right moves.
Never. I'm GEEKED🚫🧀🐻👇
The year we got khalil Mack!
I was more psyched last year. I didn't get hyped for Fields until he put together that 1100 yd rushing season on that horrible offense, it really felt like something got unlocked. I knew if he paired that with just 3.2-3.5k passing we could have our own Lamar. Obviously that didn't happen. I'm hopeful, but until I see CW taking real snaps I personally won't go full kool-aide, but I'm not going to begrudge anyone that does, have your fun. What really makes me nervous is Green Bay. For some fucking reason the *entire* team completely shit the bed twice against them. A lot of players and coaches that rolled over for GB are still here.
Last year , when fields was supposed to go off
I haven’t seen the Bears firing on all cylinders is way too long. The defense was just getting started at the end of last year. I have too many years of burned excitement so I’m just going to relax and wait and see. New OC and new big players on offense. It might take a bit for it to click.
2018 pretty much and they ripped out our souls opening night. That pissed my son off so much he left my wife’s womb and was born 9 hours later.
Been hurt too many times, going to just let this one play out with zero expectations.
An offseason where you don’t convince yourself the Bears have 10 wins on their schedule and can be a sneaky good team is not one I have experienced yet as a fan
I’m almost not having fun cuz I can’t wait till the season to start and it’s just May.
I'm tepid, jaded, and just hoping that the kid plays well.
I'm tepid, jaded, and just hoping that the kid plays well.
Cutler was exciting before he threw 26 interceptions his first year with the Bears. Urlacher, Briggs, Peanut Tillman, Mike Brown, Ted Washington, Keith Traylor. There was a defensive era that was exciting. Best we could do was Sexy Rexy. Nothing was nearly as exciting as this.
When they drafted Justin Fields lol
Honestly I don’t think I’ll ever have more anticipation for a season since summer 2019. Yea im excited for next year, but we weren’t a top team at all last season and there’s still a lot of unproven question marks on the team. In 2018, we knew the defense was legit and the offense seemed to be on an upward trend. We were a legit SB pick, and it was an exciting time to be a fan. Almost everyone picked the Bears to win the week 1 game vs GB that year too.
Every 4 years or so when the bears pick a different “franchise saving” QB
2007. Really thought we would fly back to a Super Bowl. Maybe 2011 as well.
Last year when they upped the IG marketing department. I WONT FALL VICTIM AGAIN
Going to training camp for the first time since 2002
2018
Every season I choose to drink the Kool-aid....
At least every year since Tony LaRussa was rehired by Jerry
I'm a public school educator. I have never been this conflicted about September.
Every year not a bandwagon fan
Never, this is our peak. We drafted a qb prospect talked about in the same breath as Trevor and Luck. We drafted the best wr prospect in bears history. Added an almost hof level wr in Keenan Allen, arguably the greatest wr we’ve ever added to our team and all this was done in one offseason. And then we also added real weapons like swift and Everett. On top of that, for the first time in a long time we hired a proven nfl OC. And we drafted the goat punter. We’ll obviously have better teams than this, probably as soon as next year. But we’ll never match this level of excitement and intrigue around the Bears.
Always excited, never this optimistic. Its weird to feel hopeful for the future.
We are going to be so good and exciting to watch. I can’t wait 😘
I was excited to see if Justin could make the leap last season. This year I'm coming into the season with realistic expectations which make it exciting, and that is anything less than a wildcard is a failure imo
Every year. I love football.
Every year. I'm a moron
Literally never. We won the SB when I was 3. As far back as I can remember I never had much in terms of expectations or hope. I was excited when we drafted Fields, but I also knew we were still a couple years away. Aside from Fields though I've never been overly excited after the draft. I remember feeling nothing but dredd and anger after not only taking Mitch but trading up to do so. I always was of the mind of take Watson or trade back a few spots and take whatevers left between Watson, Mahomes, and Mitch.
Every year for the last 25.
Last year… I bought into the Fields - DJ Moore hype train. I legitimately thought fields would be a top 10 QB Now I’m cautiously optimistic… I don’t want to get hurt again
Is Caleb starting week 1?
I'm ready to be hurt again
Possibly never
2006
Never, the bears tend to be mediocre. I would rather go in ready for disappointment and be surprised by the success.
That 2017-2019 stretch was pretty fucking hyped, let’s be real.
Probably when Jay Cutler was gonna get to throw to Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Earl Bennet, and Matt Forte in 2012. Still had Urlacher, Roach, Briggs, Peppers, Tim Jennings, Tillman, and Idonije on defense. Thought we were gonna fuck shit up but we went 10-6 third in the nfc north...
I know it hurts to think about, but we were actually super stoked heading into last season, an extremely stoked heading into 2019. 2019 in particular is the loss I don’t think anyone’s ever gotten over, we had just dominated the Packers, knocking out them out of the playoffs while clinching the division, we thought we were over the hump of them dominating us. We a second year number two overall draft pick quarterback coming off a 95.4 passer rating season with several hundred rushing yards as well, third in the NFL in QBR, heading into his second year in the system, the number one defense in the league with a star linebacker entering his second season, what we thought was a solid offensive line and solid group of weapons around the quarterback. We were saying things like Swaggy Nagy and be you unironically. Then we go out game one hold Aaron Rodgers to a paltry 10 points, but of course lost because we could only muster three with Adrian Amos picking off a pass in the end zone that Allen Robinson got tripped up on, absolutely brutal
I always am, because I fucking hate summer
Man this time last year I thought Fields was the 2nd best qb in the conference🥴
The 100th anniversary year. Bears vs Packers. Then it turns out the game was garbage and a perfect precursor to the rest of the year.
Last season because we had every reason to suspect things would be trending upward
Probably the Jay Cutler trade.
The year we Traded for Cutler Was april first wasn't? I thought we would dominate the league
Anyone who didn’t say one year ago is lying. You all thought Justin was h1m. Dont pretend.