In a recent projection of NFL team power rankings for the upcoming seasons, ESPN has sparked controversy by placing the Chicago Bears on equal footing with the New England Patriots at 18th overall. This decision has left fans and analysts bewildered, particularly due to the reasoning behind the ranking, which hinges heavily on an eyebrow-raising evaluation of the teams’ quarterbacks. The Bears, led by second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, and the Patriots, with rookie Drake Maye, were graded in a way that has reignited discussions about media bias against Chicago, a phenomenon Bears fans often refer to as the “Bears tax.”
The Controversial Quarterback Rankings
ESPN’s panel of NFL analysts evaluated teams based on four key areas: roster (excluding the quarterback), the quarterback, coaching, and front office. The most contentious part of their assessment lies in the quarterback rankings. Caleb Williams, the Bears’ highly-touted first-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, received an average grade of 78.8, placing him 18th among NFL quarterbacks. In contrast, Drake Maye, the Patriots’ rookie, was given a “very good” grade of 87.5, ranking him seventh overall.
This stark disparity has been met with disbelief, especially given the statistical output of both quarterbacks in the 2024 season. Williams threw for over 3,500 yards, with 20 touchdowns and just six interceptions, despite navigating a turbulent season with three different offensive coordinators and two head coaches. His performance showcased resilience and potential, even if he has yet to fully live up to his “generational” billing. Maye, on the other hand, averaged a modest 175 yards per game with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 1.5:1, underwhelming numbers for a quarterback ranked so highly by ESPN.
Critics argue that Maye’s higher ranking seems disconnected from his on-field performance, especially considering he played in a more stable coaching environment compared to Williams. The notion that Maye is a “proven winner” while Williams is not has been labeled as absurd by many, with Bears fans pointing to this as yet another example of national media undervaluing their team.
The “Bears Tax” in Full Effect
The term “Bears tax” has long been used by Chicago fans to describe the perceived disrespect their team receives from national media outlets. This ranking only fuels that narrative. For context, former Bears linebacker Roquan Smith never earned a Pro Bowl or first-team All-Pro nod during his four years in Chicago, despite stellar play. After being traded to the Baltimore Ravens, however, he secured three of each, even though his statistical output remained consistent. This pattern of overlooking Bears players and the team as a whole seems to persist with ESPN’s latest rankings.
The decision to rank the Bears alongside the Patriots, a team that finished the 2024 season with a 4-13 record, feels particularly insulting to Bears fans who believe their team is on an upward trajectory. Under the leadership of general manager Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears have made significant strides in rebuilding their roster, particularly on offense. Additions like rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, tight end Colston Loveland, and a revamped offensive line signal a commitment to supporting Williams and elevating the team’s performance in 2025.
Ben Johnson’s Impact and the Bears’ Outlook
The hiring of Ben Johnson, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has been widely praised as a game-changer for the Bears. Johnson’s detail-oriented approach and ability to maximize offensive talent have already earned him accolades from players like Williams, who has spoken glowingly about his coach’s intensity and focus. The Bears’ offense, which ranked 28th in points scored in 2024, is expected to take a significant leap forward with Johnson’s play-calling and the addition of dynamic weapons like Burden and Loveland.
In contrast, the Patriots are still in the early stages of their rebuild, with Maye as an unproven cornerstone and a roster that lacks the same level of offensive firepower. ESPN’s decision to equate the two teams ignores the Bears’ aggressive offseason moves and the momentum building in Chicago. Analysts like Seth Walder of ESPN have given the Bears a B- grade for their offseason, criticizing acquisitions like Jonah Jackson and Grady Jarrett as overpays, but even Walder acknowledged Johnson’s hiring as a standout move.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The reaction on social media and among analysts has been swift and vocal. Posts on X reflect the frustration of Bears fans, with many calling out ESPN for what they see as a clear bias. One user remarked, “The audacity to rank Maye above Williams after one season is wild. The Bears tax is real.” Others have pointed to Williams’ superior stats and the adversity he faced as evidence that he deserves more respect than ESPN’s rankings suggest.
Some analysts have gone further, arguing that the Bears are poised to challenge for a playoff spot in 2025, thanks to their improved roster and coaching staff. Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna listed the Bears among teams “desperate to contend,” noting their aggressive moves to support Williams. While some view this as a sign of desperation, others see it as calculated roster-building to capitalize on Williams’ potential.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Bears have a chance to prove their detractors wrong. With a schedule that includes tough matchups against teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers, Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson will have ample opportunities to showcase their progress. If Williams can build on his rookie season and deliver the kind of performance expected of a generational talent, ESPN’s rankings may soon look laughably outdated.
For now, Bears fans will continue to rally behind their team, fueled by a mix of optimism and frustration. The “Bears tax” may persist in national media narratives, but with Johnson at the helm and a talented roster in place, Chicago is ready to write a new chapter. If Williams delivers, the crow served to ESPN’s analysts might just be the sweetest dish of the 2025 season.