There is no denying the fact that most fans want heads to roll after this season ends. One only needs to search Twitter for #Bears, and posts calling for the Bears to fire Matt Eberflus and Luke Getsy can be found in abundance. Ryan Poles is also an easy target.
It’s easy to see why. a 6-22 record since Eberflus became the head coach can easily cause angst in fans everywhere. They will point to the 10-game losing streak. The 0-9 record against the NFC North. The terrible defense and the lack of an offensive identity.
What isn’t so easy to see is the improvements that have been made. Improvements are detailed below.
Ryan Poles has done amazing work improving the roster. His job isn’t finished. In fact, a GM’s job is never finished, as rosters must be constantly upgraded.
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On defense, the personnel upgrades include Stevenson, Smith, Gordon, Brisker, Billings, Sweat, Edwards, and Sanborn.
Additions on offense include DJ Moore, Wright, Davis, Jones, Johnson, and Foreman.
Statistical Improvents Worth Mentioning
Last year, the defense was pathetic against the pass and the run. This year, Chicago’s defense is first overall in allowing the fewest yards per carry. This year’s 3.4 yards per carry is a significant improvement. Chicago ranked near the bottom of the league last season with a yards per carry of 4.9.
Chicago’s rushing game is averaging a league-best 5.4 yards per carry. Adding to that impressive mark, the Bears’ offense is in the top 5 in third-down conversions and red zone efficiency. Playoff contenders Baltimore and San Francisco are the only other teams that rank in the top five in all three categories.
These improvements need to start turning losses into wins. One only needs to look at the Detroit Lions as a blueprint for success. Head coach Dan Campbell took over a 5-11 team and only won three games in his first year. After the 11th game of Campbell’s second year the Lions had compiled a 7-20-1 record. Fans in Detroit were screming for a new head coach. Since then, the Lions have had a record of 13-4. They have won eight of their first 10 games in 2023 and are considered to be one of the best teams in the NFC.
There are still many games to play this year and the improvements in Chicago have to start showing up in the win column. Has Ryan Poles seen enough to warrant another year of this coaching staff? Many will say no. The other edge to this sword is pulling the plug too soon. Ryan Poles has tough decisions to make between now and January 8th.
Bears fans, be careful what you wish for.
