The general consensus around the NFL is that the Chicago Bears look stronger heading into 2025 than they did a year ago. The arrival of new head coach Ben Johnson is seen as a major upgrade, with his innovative offensive mind expected to accelerate Caleb Williams’ development. On top of that, the roster has playmakers at multiple spots, which would normally fuel optimism.

However, Chicago’s problem is its surroundings — the NFC North may be the toughest division in football. All three rivals — Detroit, Green Bay, and Minnesota — reached the postseason last year. The Lions get star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson back, the Packers just landed Micah Parsons, and the Vikings bolstered their trenches with smart offseason moves. For most, it’s tough to map out a clear path for the Bears.

That is, unless you ask Ndamukong Suh. Long remembered as one of Chicago’s fiercest adversaries during his playing days, Suh was both feared for his aggressive style and respected as one of the league’s top defensive tackles. Now retired, he has earned credibility as a straightforward NFL analyst. Appearing on Up and Adams with Kay Adams, Suh was asked if Detroit would run back its division title. While he admitted it’s possible, he also warned fans not to overlook Chicago.

The Bears themselves have shown they can compete within the division. They split games with the Packers and came close to sweeping them, and they had legitimate chances to beat both Detroit and Minnesota but faltered late. The real gap, Suh suggests, hasn’t been talent — it’s been coaching. Matt Eberflus was consistently outmatched schematically by coaches like Kevin O’Connell and Matt LaFleur. Johnson, however, feels like the kind of leader who can put Chicago on equal footing.

If Johnson succeeds in leveling the chess match, Suh’s point stands: the Bears are built well enough to give every NFC North team problems. The last step for them is a mental one — showing the poise and resilience Suh himself learned during his early years with Detroit.