You won't believe the grades the Bears received from the hometown newspaper

It's hard to fault Potash for his dismal grading, which may or not be on a curve when considering that the Bears have arguably been the worst team in the NFL for three-plus years. 

Justin Fields, who the team drafted as its quarterback of the future in 2021, continues to struggle with his own play as well as behind an offensive line that feels like a revolving door of starters. In fact, as Potash pointed out, Chicago rolled out its 12th different starting offensive line group in the last 20 games, dating back to the start of last season.

Although the "F" grades themselves may amuse those outside of Chicago, Potash may have been rather kind in his notes. Without a hint of snark, sarcasm or venom that pores through many sportswriters, his harshest words were reserved for the coaching, notably head coach Matt Eberflus:

"Three weeks into his second season, Eberflus' H.I.T.S. principle is in shambles and his long-term future — if not his short-term future — is in severe doubt. Faced with adversity, the Bears had no rally in them and looked directionless and poorly coached on offense and defense. When the rebuild is worst than the teardown, that's a problem."

In a separate column, Potash talks about the deeper problems with the team, which includes the bizarre episode around the resignation of now-former defensive coordinator Alan Williams.

Somehow in 2023, the Bears still manage to put out an offense that seems better suited for their earliest heyday, the George Halas era of the 1940s. With their defense unable to consistently put opponents on their heels — either because of a lack of playmakers or their offense's inability to sustain long drives — Chicago has to put up with dismal play week after week. 

At this point, an "incomplete" or a "D-" from any of their units will look like an improvement, which doesn't bode well for Eberflus, Fields or anyone else roaming Soldier Field.