The Chicago Bears suffered another painful loss by three points or less on Sunday. Once again, they couldn’t close the deal in the final two minutes thanks to a series of mind-numbing mistakes. Luke Getsy called some questionable plays. David Montgomery let a 1st down go through his hands, and an interception snuffed out their hopes. It was a microcosm of their entire season. They were not experienced enough to execute in big moments and not talented enough to overcome too many mistakes.
GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus probably had a good idea it could be like this. They did blow up the roster, after all. While it wasn’t officially called a tank, a team doesn’t overturn two-thirds of its depth chart and expects to compete with the best in the league. This season has always been about evaluation and development. Next year is when the real work begins. With six games left, the regime now has a good idea of where their priorities are.
Chicago Bears’ biggest needs with six games to play
1. Offensive line
Justin Fields has now been sacked 40 times in 11 games. If people are wondering why he hasn’t been able to throw the ball much, it’s because the offensive line can’t protect him. The Bears have relied heavily on bootlegs, moving pockets, and play action to give him chances to throw. Whenever they’ve tried straight drops, the opponent almost always gets pressure. A case can be made the team needs three new offensive linemen. Center is obvious, with Sam Mustipher continuing to underachieve. Right tackle is a problem regardless of Larry Borom or Riley Reiff starting. Cody Whitehair is getting older and was never above average in pass protection. Poles has to get that front figure out.
2. Defensive line
If you want a stark reminder of how bad the defensive front is for the Bears, here’s the only stat you need to hear. None of their members have recorded a sack since October 13th against Washington. They’ve been blanked in five straight games. That is shockingly bad. It also isn’t surprising. Look at the lineup and the talent deficiencies are apparent. Trevis Gipson, Angelo Blackson, and Al-Quadin Muhammad are not starting-caliber players. Justin Jones has been their most effective player, and even he’s only okay. They need an infusion of studs in the worst way. This defensive scheme won’t work otherwise.
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3. Wide receiver
Trading for Chase Claypool sent the right message. The Chicago Bears know they need more firepower at wide receiver. Yes, he hasn’t produced thus far, but he wasn’t acquired for a short-term boost. They plan to implement him slowly. He needs time to grasp the system. That doesn’t mean the Bears should stop seeking receivers. They’re still relying on guys like Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown way too much. Their blocking is good, but the Bears can’t win these tight games until they have guys that can get open.
4. Cornerback
Drafting Kyler Gordon was a smart move. The Bears had a glaring hole at cornerback before he arrived. He’s had some rookie struggles. Still, there is plenty of potential in the 2nd round pick. That said, there still isn’t enough quality at that position. Kindle Vildor is average at best. Jaylon Johnson is solid but can’t force turnovers. That room needs one more good player to become truly formidable. While it won’t be a focal point in the draft, Poles should look to keep adding.
5. Linebacker
Trading Roquan Smith was necessary for the Bears, if not easy. Linebacker doesn’t have the same importance it did 30 years ago, but it still plays a crucial role in his 4-3 defense. Right now, they don’t have anybody of Pro Bowl-caliber. Jack Sanborn looks like a keeper. Nick Morrow is decent. They need more. Don’t expect them to spend a high draft pick on it. However, they may take an aggressive swing in free agency. Another playmaker in that spot would be most welcome.
First year GM that has to tear down an entire over aged, overpaid and under performing roster and you want immediate results? You see, that’s the problem with fans like yourself. You don’t realize the process involved of building (not buying) a roster. There’s a reason there was an opening. Typically meaning one of two things, you weren’t doing your job properly or you moved on to greater jobs. We all know our situation here! So before you troll. Before you write anything, please think about what you’re saying. There needs to be validity in your thoughts. Don’t just spew… Read more »
The Bears are running a 4-3 Defense. With bringing Flus over, he is bringing the Tampa 2. The issue that any team switching defenses like that is that they have to start over with the roster. We had been a 3-4 defense since Fox came over. We just don’t have the talent right now to support the switch.
Ryan Poles has.no idea of how to evaluate talent in the offensive and defensive lines.
Want proof? Dakota Dozier, Lucas Patrick, Alex Leatherwood, etc. etc.
Maybe, just maybe, the Bears would be better off returning to the 4-3 D, IF Eberflus could actually have the ability to run it correctly. Given that the Bears had 49 sacks last year – and I know that Quinn had the outrageous number of 18.5 of them but that still leaves 30 more and with a putrid 15 in 11 games, they will probably not even get close to 30 this year. I think that the discounting of the LB positions is dumb when you simply have to have the coaching and scouting smarts to evaluate college defenders appropriately… Read more »
Randy: I would argue if JF1 actually stood behind a line that could pass block/protect his passing game would be much improved. You cannot accurately evaluate his passing game working behind the offensive line he currently has to stand behind. JF1 has the arm what he needs is a line that can pass protect and the reps to develop his passing game. You couldn’t accurately evaluate any quarterback’s passing game with the offensive line the Bears are currently fielding and that’s just a fact. The line lacks the studs needed to protect their QB. Thus the reason JF1 is running… Read more »