Ryan Poles Pulling All The Right Strings
When Ryan Poles first came to Chicago as the new General Manager, fans had mixed emotions. On one side, he replaced Ryan Pace, whose time in Chicago was riddled with criticism from fans and the media. However, when Poles started to rid the team of veteran players and their costly salaries, many were quick to criticize the first-year executive.
One of Poles’ first moves was to trade Khalil Mack, which frustrated fans. Then Roquan Smith and Robert Quinn were traded during the season. The defense crumbled.
The offense installed by new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy took time to sink in, and Justin Fields struggled from the first day of camp. The media quickly pounced on every play, resulting in the offense not lining up correctly, fumbles, bad throws, and penalties. Every Fields interception became newsworthy.
Ultimately, the 2022 season was one of the worst in franchise history. No Bears team had ever lost 14 games. Their 10-games losing streak to end the season is the longest losing streak in franchise history. Their point differential of -137 was the poorest defensive performance since 2000.
The Turnaround Begins
When Houston’s last-second victory in week 18 thrust the Bears into the first overall selection in 2023, it allowed Poles to put this team on a fast track to respectability. His well-documented moves in free agency and the draft have upgraded the roster everywhere you look. When training camp opened this week, it was time to glimpse what 2023 may bring.
When DJ Moore arrived via trade, the first inclination from the media was it would take time for Fields to find the chemistry with the new receiver. The biggest surprise of camp is that chemistry has developed quickly. Starting in OTAs and continuing into camp, Fields TD throws to Moore have been a daily delight. Moore has been the best player on the practice field from the jump.
Every player in this year’s draft class has had an opportunity to shine this summer. Tyrique Stevenson and 5th-round selection Terrell Smith appear to be locked in a competition to start opposite Jaylon Jonhson. Cincinnati WR Tyler Scott turns heads whenever he outruns his cover man for a long reception.
Bears defenses manhandling the offense had always been an annual event. The defense has made some great plays this year, but the offense has been stealing the show at every practice.
Beginning Wednesday, the Bears will begin practicing in full pads. That will increase the intensity, and it will be interesting to see how the defense attacks the offense. Will the revamped OL hold up? Do the Bears have players on the roster that can pressure the opposing QB regularly? We will start to see answers to these questions and more when the pads come on this week.