It’s been two games since the Chicago Bears acquired Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The results are mixed thus far, with three catches for 21 yards on eight targets. He also has one rush for four yards. It isn’t the gaudy numbers fans were hoping for, and they are already getting annoyed. Some are already saying the trade was a mistake. Others blame the coaching staff for not giving him more snaps. Quarterback Justin Fields was quick to squash any idea he or the team was down on Claypool.
This is a simple case of a guy coming into an unfamiliar offense mid-season and trying to learn on the fly. Fields explained how Luke Getsy’s scheme is complex. Routes by wide receivers are very detailed. They take time to learn. The quarterback is putting in extra time after every practice to help bring Claypool along. Former Bears scouting director Greg Gabriel echoed similar assurances. He explained how many things go into playing receiver and why, with time, Claypool will end up being precisely what the Bears need.
“Many feel wide receiver is still a need position. I’m not so sure. The Bears just spent a second-round pick to acquire Chase Claypool. While he has only been here two weeks, fans are already complaining that he is not playing enough. Those complaining have no idea how difficult the Bears’ offense is to learn. The passing game relies on sight adjustments depending on what the defense is doing, and it’s not easy to pick this scheme up in a short period of time. Claypool will be an excellent receiver for the Bears, but it will take some time for him to feel comfortable in this offense. Claypool was acquired more for the future than for this season.”
Chase Claypool has the benefit of time on his side.
The Bears invested a 2nd round pick in him. So they aren’t going to abandon this course after two somewhat quiet games. They have the long view in mind with him. He has another year on his rookie contract and is 24 years old. This is somebody that can grow with Fields into a formidable connection. Seven games remain left to play this season. That is plenty of time to get his feet under him and build that chemistry. Getsy kept talking about trusting the process when Fields struggled earlier this season. It’s no different with Claypool.
He isn’t the first receiver that needed an adjustment period after a trade. Golden Tate and Emmanuel Sanders were two such examples in 2018 and 2019. Both of them were significantly more experienced at the time of those deals. Chase Claypool will get his chances. Maybe this Sunday is the time for it. Chicago will face the Atlanta Falcons and their 32nd-ranked pass defense. If there was a time to get the new receiving weapon involved, this is it. Everything depends on how ready the coaches think he is.
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