Although the Chicago Bears were an anemic team this season, especially on offense, many seem to believe they aren’t far off from becoming a playoff team.

They’re in position to draft a franchise quarterback, as they hold the No. 1 selection in April’s draft, and they have a defense that is seen as young and on the rise.

After defensive coordinator Alan Williams surprisingly resigned early in the season, they have hired Eric Washington to fill that role, and while he won’t be calling plays, he said he took the job because of the team’s potential, per Courtney Cronin.

“My focus is on what the job is as opposed to what it isn’t,” he said.

Eric Washington on why he took the Bears DC job, a role where he won't be calling plays: "My focus is on what the job is as opposed to what it isn’t…a defense that is clearly on an upward trajectory." Washington, who has called plays previously, says he is "confident" he will…

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) February 22, 2024

Once Williams left, head coach Matt Eberflus began calling defensive plays, and he will continue to do so.

But Washington is focused on making the Bears a feared pass-rushing team, and they may have the personnel to do so.

Defensive lineman Montez Sweat, whom they acquired in a midseason trade with the Washington Commanders, had 6.0 sacks and 14 quarterback hits in nine games with the Bears, and his production has been on an upward trajectory.

The team ranked fifth in forced turnovers and first in forced interceptions, as well as first in rushing yards allowed in 2023.

Of course, their quarterback situation is their biggest question mark.

After three seasons, Justin Fields has failed to show any real growth or improvement, and having the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft is an opportunity Chicago cannot pass up.

They had the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, but they traded it to the Carolina Panthers instead of keeping it and using it on a QB such as Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud.

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