There's something in the air in the greater Chicagoland area and it starts at Halas Hall. The Chicago Bears are making move after move to make the team better and things are looking up, for once. Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus have a vision for the Bears and we're watching it unfold before us.
When the Bears dropped the latest episode of '1920 Football Drive' on their YouTube channel, the hype became very real. It's hard to watch the full 13-minute video without feeling excited. Chicago is coming and this is just the beginning.
Bears Latest '1920 Football Drive' Episode
This episode focuses on Ryan Poles navigating the offseason and the Bears' new roster additions. He talked about Justin Fields and how difficult it was to trade him while making sure he landed in a great spot. Then Poles switched to NFL free agency and how the Bears had a very specific goal this offseason and they feel confident they accomplished it.
Poles also talked about signing Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a big extension. Poles described how crucial that was and said he challenged Johnson on his on-ball abilities. The Bears' GM was impressed when the interceptions started coming saying the defense started regularly taking the football away because of him.
Johnson's leadership skills are something Poles really values as well and the 24-year-old cornerback doesn't believe any of that will change now that he got paid.
Bears Smartly Added Precise Players In Free Agency
The episode of 1920 Football Drive switches gears to the Chicago Bears' recent roster additions. Pro Scout, Charles Love, explained how the Bears were very precise in their search this offseason for a specific set of skills to raise the floor of their roster.
The Bears knew they needed players who were already polished and accomplished in the NFL to fill a hole on the roster instantly.
Assistant Director of Pro Scouting, Chris White, described how the Bears were very targeted in their approach, letting free agency come to them. They were specific and truly understood the team's needs.
Kevin Byard
The Bears added veteran defensive back Kevin Byard to the defense and head coach Matt Eberflus is excited for him.
Byard talked about playing with the Chicago Bears' young talent on the defensive side of the ball. He mentioned Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson as the type of people someone wants to be around. They have fun playing the game and Byard wants to bring not only his playmaking abilities to the Bears but his services as a mentor to the young guys.
Keenan Allen, D'Andre Swift, and Gerald Everett
Ryan Poles is pumped to bring a veteran wide receiver like Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears. He described the desire to force opposing defenses to cover a lot of grass. Poles feels they've added enough playmakers on offense after acquiring Allen to make this a nightmare for defenses.
Scout Charles Love showed a play from last year where Keenan Allen won a one-on-one matchup. That was something the Bears desperately wanted on their roster.
Love moved over to Gerald Everett and talked about how dynamic he is running after the catch. His presence alone creates a new dynamic with the current Bears' tight end, Cole Kmet, and Everett believes they can have a great offensive unit.
Everett also mentioned offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, and how they have a great relationship. Everett crossed paths with Waldron in several previous stops in his career and loves him as a teacher.
Then Love examined D'Andre Swift's explosiveness and ability to get to the next level on the football field. He showed several plays of Swift punching through a hole and making a move to make a defender miss.
Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton
The episode continued with some offensive line talk. Chris White showed a play from Ryan Bates against the Pittsburgh Steelers where he moves to the outside and completely flattens the defender.
Then he showed a clip of Coleman Shelton's going up against Dexter Lawrence. Shelton forces the defender back enough to create space for his running back to get to the next level. The scoring play doesn't happen without Shelton creating that space and it's a huge benefit for the Bears' offensive line.
The Bears Future
'1920 Football Drive' concluded with Ryan Poles talking about how well the Bears worked this offseason. He was incredibly pleased with the team effort and as the focus shifts to the NFL draft, there is a lot to be excited for. The quarterback of the future is a huge decision and Poles has a lot on his shoulders, no matter how clear the choice appears.
The Chicago Bears are about to embark on a journey in 2024 and the hype surrounding them is real. Get ready Bears fans, they've only just begun and the time to get on board is now.
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