The Chicago Bears’ decision to restart the clock at quarterback should give embattled head coach Matt Eberflus significant leeway.

The Bears did improve by four wins last season, but they’re still 10-24 during Eberflus’ two-year tenure. Their offseason influx of talent should go a long way to cool any flames on a potential Eberflus hot seat.

After three seasons of Justin Fields not developing as expected, the Bears found themselves in a unique position. They held the No. 1 overall pick thanks to the Carolina Panthers’ trade for Bryce Young last offseason. As talented of an athlete as Fields is, Williams was viewed as a superior prospect.

Since neither Eberflus nor general manager Ryan Poles drafted Fields, their investment in his development didn’t run deep. Chicago traded Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers six weeks before the NFL draft.

Meanwhile, Williams has already impressed.

“You definitely see some things that you don’t really expect a rookie to do,” linebacker T.J. Edwards told reporters three weeks ago. “You know, he moved us a couple times with his eyes. The first day it had me and [linebacker] Tremaine [Edmunds] hot about it, but he’s impressive for sure.”

For a squad that’s struggled offensively, the Bears were finally proactive in bringing in significant talent.

Poles traded for Keenan Allen, who remains one of the league’s most reliable targets and route-runners. He then selected Washington’s Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick to provide an intimidating presence outside the numbers. DJ Moore is still in place. Running back D’Andre Swift joins the ranks to provide a more explosive threat out of the backfield. Plus, the free-agent addition of Coleman Shelton should be viewed as an upgrade at center.

Even Eberflus’ defense received a slight boost, with free safety Kevin Byard joining the squad.

A potential star quarterback, with a much-improved surrounding cast, and thriving defense is all Eberflus could have hoped for to compete in the NFC North.