No GM will have a bigger spotlight on him than Ryan Poles this coming offseason. His Chicago Bears have taken a noticeable step forward. After going 3-14 last year, they’re 6-9 this year and could finish 7-10 or 8-9. That offers genuine hope they could be one more strong offseason away from contending for the playoffs. Yet despite such optimism, the organization remains in flux. This is because questions persist at two of the most critical spots on the team: head coach and quarterback.
Matt Eberflus has done a terrific job turning around the defense since taking over playcalling. He’s also made some rough mistakes with situational decision-making, overseeing some ugly 4th quarter collapses. Justin Fields remains a dynamic playmaker at times, but the young quarterback still hasn’t taken significant strides as a passer. He also can’t get over problems with turnovers in the 4th quarter. This makes Poles’ plans for 2024 difficult to project. Former GM Randy Mueller assessed the situation and revealed what likely happens next.
He explained in his latest column for The Athletic.
“Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was hired to run the Shanahan-style, 49ers/Packers offense. He has tried to pivot to a more QB-friendly attack for Fields, but it’s still a work in progress. Vision from the pocket and getting the ball out on time are still holding Fields back. He must do a better job of playing on schedule. He is clearly explosive on off-schedule throws and some throws to predetermined targets, but there are only so many of those plays one can utilize.
These are elements that might continue to improve, but the hourglass is emptying quickly. Fields is a victim of organizational struggles, bad timing and the eye test. I’m not sure I would consider stats or analytics at this point to change my mind. At the end of the day, the options to change course at the position are probably too great to save Fields in Chicago.
If I were Poles, I would keep the coach, keep the coordinator and let them have ample input on selecting one QB from what I see as a group of three top prospects…”
Ryan Poles knows some key facts.
Despite the 4th quarter blunders, Eberflus has gotten positive results this season. The team has doubled its win total from last year, and the defense looks stellar. Players keep playing hard for him despite the odds of making the playoffs being almost non-existent. Most of the primary issues with this team center around the offense, specifically the passing game. While not all of it is Fields’ fault, he is the quarterback. Everything goes through him, and the harsh reality is his improvements haven’t been enough to justify passing on a QB at #1 overall for the second year in a row.
It is also important to note that Eberflus and Getsy inherited Fields. He is not their handpicked guy. There is a strong likelihood their vision for the right quarterback differs from what Fields is. It wouldn’t be fair to not at least give them a chance to find and work with their own guy. That is the conclusion Mueller thinks Ryan Poles will reach at the end of the season. It’s a fair assessment and undoubtedly possible. A lot depends on what role team president Kevin Warren plays in this. His preferences could shift things considerably.
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