Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles had a busy offseason rebuilding the roster. He is now receiving recognition for what he did as the team was named one of the most improved teams in 2023.
When Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles took over last year, he knew he had some difficult decisions. He had to part ways with popular players and their contracts to have more financial flexibility. He knew that parting ways with those players would rile up many fans.
Despite the criticisms he knew would come, Poles stuck to his plan. In spite of finishing 3-14 in 2022, he stuck to his plan. When the fans clamored for certain players in free agency and the draft, he stuck to his plan.
Poles did not go on a spending spree and overpay for players. He spent wisely, knowing that a rebuild this big would not be done in one offseason. That is why he accumulated future draft picks. Next year, he has six picks in the first four rounds. In 2025, he has five picks in that same span.
While Poles infused a lot of talent in 2023, the future looks bright as well.
In addition to having more talent at key starting spots, Poles also added depth. In recent seasons we saw that an injury here or there really hurt the team. Now the roster can absorb an injury and not have a big drop with the replacement.
Poles’ hand in the rebuild is recognized
Now, Poles is receiving recognition for his part in the rebuild. NFL.com’s Around the NFL Podcast co-host Marc Sessler named the Bears as one of the most improved teams in 2023.
This is what Sessler said about the additions to the offense.
Pulling D.J. Moore away from the Panthers — the headliner in a massive pre-draft swap — was a masterful lever pull by general manager Ryan Poles. Justin Fields now has his alpha dog to whip passes to atop the sturdy cast of Chase Claypool, Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet. Fourth-rounder Roschon Johnson is an intriguing addition to a backfield featuring Khalil Herbert and hammer-dropping D’Onta Foreman.
Sessler went on to praise the additions of beef up front. Darnell Wright, Gervon Dexter St., and Zacch Pickens will be strengthening both the offensive and defensive lines.
It is great for the Chicago Bears to finally get some attention for something other than being irrelevant. The franchise has taken a big tumble and it is nice to see some positivity over their moves.
Now it is time for the others to do their part
Of course, Poles could only do so much. He acquired the players he feels can help improve the team. Now he has to depend on the coaching staff, led by head coach Matt Eberflus, to put the right players in positions to succeed.
There will be a number of position battles when training camp begins. The coaches have to make the decisions as to who makes the roster and who starts.
Additionally, the offensive and defensive coordinators, Luke Getsy and Alan Williams, respectively, have to run their systems effectively now. They had the excuse of not having talent last season. They weren’t able to run what they wanted without having the proper personnel.
For example, Getsy had to abandon most of what he wanted to do on offense. He ended up calling a lot more runs for quarterback Justin Fields. That worked a lot better than having him drop back and look for receivers. He did not have the protection to have the time to throw. Also, his receivers struggled to create any separation.
As a result, Fields rushed for 1,143 yards, second-most all-time in a season for a quarterback. Fields’ runs kept the Bears in a lot of games they had no business being competitive.
This season, however, while he will utilize Fields’ legs, it won’t be as much as last season. Getsy and the Bears hope that with the added talent and protection Fields will have a big season throwing the ball.
Additionally, the players have to do their part. They came in to do a job — helping the Chicago Bears win more games. They have to play to their capabilities. If they do, then this could be the start of something good.
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