Pros, cons of Bears being featured on HBO's 'Hard Knocks'

The honor is an unnecessary distraction, but it can also be beneficial. As the Bears prepare for the spotlight, here are some pros and cons of appearing on the Emmy Award-winning show.

Pro: Bears can repair the team's brand 

The Bears have fallen on hard times recently, finishing third or worse in the NFC North in four of the last five seasons, undoubtedly affecting the team's perception and popularity. Now, they have an opportunity to project a new image as the focal point of the massively popular series.  

Last year's edition of "Hard Knocks," which featured the New York Jets, drew 4.4 million viewers per episode, the show's highest in 13 years. Meanwhile, as the NFL continues to grow globally, the storied franchise has a chance to further its reach and attract new fans with a positive showing. 

Con: Wins have been hard to come by for recent 'Hard Knocks' alumni 

Saying there's a "Hard Knocks" curse might be stretching it since the NFL's constraints ensure that teams coming off a losing season are usually on the show. However, since 2014, only four teams featured have posted winning records, and just three qualified for the playoffs.

Maybe that's why the Bears have long attempted to dodge appearing on the show. Chairman George McCaskey even encouraged another team to take the hit in March. 

Pro: Caleb Williams can feel the NFL heat before ever playing a game 

The former Heisman Trophy winner was already going to be in the spotlight heading into his rookie year, especially as the No. 1 pick. After a standout career at USC, he's used to Hollywood-like attention, but the NFL is an entirely different beast.

After being drafted, Williams acknowledged that he was "always going to have scrutiny" but has displayed a veteran-like readiness for the craziness he's about to endure playing at the game's top level. Arguably the biggest draw for the docuseries, his portrayal on the show will evoke positive and negative opinions from pundits and fans alike, which could offer the hyped rookie an early and valuable learning experience. 

Con: Coaches will be under the microscope

While the show focuses a lot on stars and players on the fringe of a roster spot, attention will also be on the team's coaches. That may not be the best development for some of them.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus enters the season on the hot seat, and his movements during training camp will certainly be a hot topic of conversation. Meanwhile, Chicago has several new additions to its staff, including offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and defensive coordinator Eric Washington, who will be under added pressure attempting to install their systems while cameras roll.