The Chicago Bears have been one of the NFL’s worst teams over the past near decade, specifically in the past two seasons. However, GM Ryan Poles believes that the franchise is right on the cusp of making the turn back toward success.
Poles spoke on the potential outlook of Chicago’s next season in a recent interview on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’. He said that many around the building are starting to feel positive energy considering how their players are coming along under Matt Eberflus, including the newest additions to their roster on both sides of the football.
“(We’re) excited, really excited,” Poles said. “You can see the difference from year one to year two. Guys are starting to understand concepts and schemes and are playing faster. Young guys know what they’re supposed to be doing.”
“And then the additions that we’ve made? You can see those guys making plays on a daily basis, both on the offensive side and defensive side,” said Poles.
Chicago has won just nine games over the past two seasons. In 2022, they finished the year with one of their worst records in franchise history as they went 3-14. They also just missed the league’s worst for point differential as they finished at -137 next to the Indianapolis Colts at -138.
Over the past decade, it was the Bear’s sixth time finishing with a losing record and their ninth time in that span finishing no better than .500.
Still, Poles sees progress and believes in the changes that are being made. They now just have to show that step forward on the field this season and then, from there, start competing for their ultimate goals.
“It’s a fun time,” said Poles. “We’re getting better, we’re taking that next step which, obviously, should be to more wins. And, eventually, sustaining success and winning championships here in Chicago.”
Poles doesn’t expect Justin Fields to need to run as much
Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields flashed his dual-threat capabilities in 2022, rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns.
One of the more exciting players to watch from the position, Fields struggled, however, moving the ball through the air. The former Ohio State star threw for 2,242 passing yards with 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Opposing defenses also sacked him 55 times. With a bit of a retooled offensive line and the acquisition of star wideout DJ Moore from the Carolina Panthers, general manager Ryan Poles is hoping for more balance in Fields’ game in 2023, he recently said on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’.
“I do think with increased protection and more weapons to throw to? He won’t need to run as much,” Poles said. “But just sprinkling that in and, obviously, having the threat to do that on occasion. Maybe not at the same volume again (as last year). It’s going to be a hard thing for defenses to prepare for.”
More must-reads: