With the playoffs likely out of the question, the Chicago Bears must focus on building momentum for 2024. They’ve gone 4-4 in their last eight games. They’re playing better defensively, and it appears the offense has more teeth than last season. Pro Bowl voting is one way to gauge whether they’re headed in the right direction. Obviously, making the event means little for team success, but it serves as an indicator of how talented (or un-talented) your roster is. Needless to say, the Bears haven’t had much good fortune in this regard.
Maybe things are starting to change. Despite their rough 4-8 record, the team has a core of capable players forming across the roster. T.J. Edwards is on pace to challenge the franchise record for tackles in a season while also producing two sacks and two interceptions. Teven Jenkins has a case for being the most dominant guard in the NFC. However, the NFL’s own Next Gen Stats project two different names as favorites to receive the honor. Neither should be a surprise.
“2. D.J. Moore
Age: 26 years old
Pro Bowl probability: 80%
NFL position rank: WR79. Montez Sweat
Age: 27 years old
Pro Bowl probability: 58%
NFL position rank: ED10″
The Chicago Bears have hit home runs on those trades.
GM Ryan Poles got plenty of criticism for both. People were skeptical of his decision to trade the #1 pick to Carolina for Moore and a package of picks. They were even more vocal when he sent a 2nd rounder to Washington for Sweat. Since arriving, the two have been nothing short of studs. Moore is on track for 1,420 yards receiving this year, which would be the third-most in a season in Bears history. Sweat is on pace for six sacks and 14 QB hits across the final nine games of the year in Chicago.
The two are serving the exact purpose for which they were acquired. They’re multipliers for the team. Having them on the field makes life easier for everybody else. Young Chicago Bears learn valuable lessons from watching them while also taking advantage of more favorable matchups because opponents must devote extra resources to slowing them down. Poles will have a chance to make things even better with the two 1st round picks he has coming down the pipe next spring. Things are most definitely looking up.
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