Poles Praises D, Warren Sets Division Title as 2024 Goal, Downtown Stadium Talk

Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty..

• Ryan Poles is pleased with the defense’s performance and believes it is close to being a championship-caliber defense. He plans to add more defensive players through the draft and free agency.
• Matt Eberflus praised the team’s effort and camaraderie this past season. He is searching for new offensive and defensive coordinators.
• The Bears did not contact Jim Harbaugh about the head coaching position, which is questionable decision.
• Eberflus stated the next offensive coordinator must have a “killer instinct” and keep scoring points all game.
• Team president Kevin Warren set the goal of winning the NFC North division in 2024. He also discussed plans for a new downtown stadium.

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Now…

The 2023 offseason is underway for the Chicago Bears after a disappointing 3-14 season, but based on recent comments from GM Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus and team president Kevin Warren – there is optimism about the direction of the franchise.

In a recent press conference, Poles praised the effort of the Bears defense in 2022, stating that the unit is “maybe two players away” from being a championship-caliber group. Poles credited additions like pass rusher Montez Sweat for the defense’s strong play and suggested more help is coming at defensive end through free agency and the upcoming NFL draft. With young building blocks like CB Jaylon Johnson and LB Jack Sanborn in place, Poles believes the Bears can field an elite defense very soon.

Many fans and analysts questioned the Bears decision to not reach out to former Chicago QB and University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh about their head coaching vacancy this offseason. Harbaugh has a proven track record of success in both college and the NFL, so the fact that the Bears did not even contact him seems questionable. Despite supporting Eberflus, Poles may have missed a major opportunity to land an upgrade.

For his part, Eberflus offered high praise for the effort and locker room culture of the 2022 Bears. He was also decisive in sharing his top priority for finding the team’s next offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Luke Getsy – whoever it is must have a “killer instinct” for aggressively scoring points. Names like Seahawks OC Shane Waldron, former Raiders OC Greg Olson and ex-Broncos OC Clint Kubiak have been floated – but clearly the next OC must pair aggressiveness and scoring ability with Eberflus’ defensive-minded approach.

Eberflus strongly endorsed QB Justin Fields as the starter going forward, although given the team’s poor performance, one wonders if Chicago may still explore its options at quarterback. Fields showed flashes of his ability in 2022 but will need to take a major step forward in his development in year three for the Bears’ rebuild to truly gain momentum. If not, Poles may be tempted to reboot the most important position on the roster yet again.

From a team leadership standpoint, it was promising to hear president Kevin Warren lay out clear goals and a vision for the Bears future success. Warren stated that winning the NFC North division title is the expectation for 2024, putting pressure on Poles and Eberflus to show serious progress next season. He also talked up the prospect of a new downtown stadium with views of Chicago’s iconic skyline – signaling the franchise aims higher than simply competing and wants to be at the forefront of the NFL.

Much work remains for Poles, Eberflus and Warren in order to make the Bears contenders again, as they currently have 20+ pending free agents and obvious holes across the roster. But the blueprint is coming into focus – upgrade defensive end and the offensive skill positions, maintain a strong locker room culture, continue developing young players and use resources to add talent at premium positions like quarterback if deemed necessary.

The 2023 offseason will be crucial for the Bears to set themselves up for the division title push that Warren is demanding in 2024. Fans will keenly watch whether Poles can find productive new weapons for Fields or whoever is under center, as well as an OC with the killer instinct to maximize offensive production going forward. If incremental progress occurs, the future looks reasonably bright for Chicago with quality building blocks in place. But much rides on this offseason and how quickly the team’s core can take the next step.

Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!