The national media hasn’t enjoyed discussing the Chicago Bears this off-season. Most act as if it’s a waste of time. They’ve even gone so far as to predict a bottoming-out season. ESPN has them in the running for the #1 overall pick. USA Today thinks 3-14 is their destination. Only 19 players remain from the roster that concluded the 2021 season. That roster went 6-11. Usually, when a new regime tears things down so thoroughly, it will lead to a rough year before an influx of young talent can start correcting it.
Bears coaches and players keep hearing this stuff. None of them sound indignant about it. Most of them casually smile and shrug. It is okay if the outside world thinks that. From their perspective, this team has way more to offer than people realize. Several good players still inhabit the roster, and others are ready to take a step forward. The new coaching staff has also installed coherent systems and high effort and intensity demands.
Everybody plays hard, and everybody plays smart.
It sounds like guys are buying in. When that is the case, sometimes a team might overachieve in the standings. No, not a deep playoff run and contending for a Super Bowl. More like being in the wild card mix come December. It sounds crazy, but NFL insider Peter Schrager explained on Good Morning Football that he thinks the Bears have things figured out. They know who they are and the direction they’re going.
He isn’t saying the Bears are an obvious threat in the NFC. However, Schrager thinks they should not be taken lightly. This is a team with an identity. That can go a long way, even if the talent isn’t there yet. Even that argument can be made, though. The Bears aren’t the Buccaneers, Rams, Eagles, or 49ers. That doesn’t mean they’re toothless.
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The Chicago Bears have intriguing pieces in place.
Start with the defense. Roquan Smith is a superstar at linebacker. He’s also more motivated than ever due to his contract situation. Robert Quinn had 18 sacks last year and might actually be in a defensive system that fits him better. Jaylon Johnson was very good last season. GM Ryan Poles then added 2nd round picks Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker to the mix. Both flashed serious potential in the preseason.
Offensively? David Montgomery has averaged over 1,000 yards from scrimmage every year. Darnell Mooney cracked 1,000 yards receiving last season. Tight end Cole Kmet had over 600 yards. If quarterback Justin Fields can play top 20 football in his second year, they should perform far better. Much of that depends on their uncertain offensive line.
So yes, it’s a flawed roster, far from complete.
That said, there is enough talent to keep the Chicago Bears interesting if some of their younger players take an expected step forward. The odds still favor them finishing with a losing record, but the idea they’re going to be among the league’s worst feels unlikely. Not unless they’re ravaged by injuries. Don’t forget they have a 2023 schedule that most experts agree is on the weaker side too. It isn’t crazy to have high hopes.
