Can the Bears Build a Winner? Assessing Ryan Poles’ Vision and Plan 🤔

Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty..

• The Bears have a losing 3-8 record this season under new head coach Matt Eberflus. The offense and defense have struggled with consistency.
• GM Ryan Poles has made some decent moves, like trading for WR Chase Claypool, but has also missed on some free agent signings. The jury is still out on whether his coaching hires were the right move.
• The offensive playcalling under Luke Getsy has been questionable at times. The offense often goes very conservative in the 4th quarter. There are questions on whether Getsy will be back next season.
• The 2023 draft is strong at WR and offensive line. Popular pick for the Bears is WR Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 1st round. Poles also needs to evaluate the O-line and may target a LT.
• Big decisions loom for Poles this offseason on the coaching staff and roster. The fanbase seems split on supporting or moving on from both the GM and head coach.

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Hey there, fellow Bears Fans!

It’s been another disappointing season in Chicago. Sitting at 3-8, the Bears have been inconsistent under first-year head coach Matt Eberflus and the growing pains are evident. The offense lacks explosiveness and the defense crumples when it matters most. As the losses mount, speculation swirls regarding general manager Ryan Poles’ long-term vision to restore this once-proud franchise.

Poles inherited a mess and had limited resources to fill the numerous holes on the roster. The offensive line needed an overhaul, the receiving corps lacked playmakers, and the defense had more questions than answers. With no first-round draft pick, Poles had to bargain shop in free agency. Signings like DT Justin Jones and WR Byron Pringle haven’t panned out. However, trade acquisitions like WR Chase Claypool and LB Roquan Smith addressed areas of need. Extending talent like CB Jaylon Johnson proves Poles wants to anchor the defense around rising young stars.

While Poles has been hamstrung by Chicago’s salary cap hell, his coaching hires leave plenty to be desired. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s unit lacks an offensive identity and he fails to make halftime adjustments. Likewise, the aesthetically pleasing defensive scheme under Sean Desai masks the ugly truth – this defense can’t get off the field on third downs and can’t protect fourth-quarter leads. The “Monsters of the Midway” moniker seems a distant memory now.

Nonetheless, Poles has invested draft capital in building blocks like left tackle Braxton Jones, a penalty machine who must refine his technique. Promising right tackle Darnell Mooney and versatile lineman Teven Jenkins also give hope. Poles understands the foundation of a contender starts in the trenches. With a high 2023 draft pick, Poles could further bolster the line and give quarterback Justin Fields better protection to unlock his elite running ability.

Surrounding Fields with premier talent is critical to properly evaluating him as a long-term answer under center. Trading for Claypool and drafting receiver Velus Jones Jr. added speed, but more playmakers are needed, especially with Allen Robinson departing in free agency. The 2023 wide receiver draft class is loaded with polished route runners like Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. Poles would be wise to invest premium draft capital at the position.

Additionally, Cole Kmet has developed into a reliable tight end fit for today’s NFL but pairing him with an athletic field stretcher could add another dimension. vowed to build around Fields and we need to see him follow through – an improved offensive line and dangerous receivers would demonstrate tangible progress toward that commitment.

Meanwhile, new definitive leaders must emerge on defense. After the Roquan Smith trade, only Eddie Jackson remains from the 2018 unit that led Chicago to an NFC North title. However, Jackson’s inconsistent tackling and knack for untimely penalties make him unreliable as the last line of defense. Poles should explore trading him this offseason while Jackson still holds trade value.

Likewise, pricey pass rusher Robert Quinn has become expendable after the acquisition of Chase Claypool. Quinn’s likely departure only tightens Poles’ grip on the purse strings. But he can’t simply pinch pennies – fans grow weary of losing while seeing division rivals outmaneuver Poles in trades and splash cash in free agency. As Bears fans, we must see progress in the win column to buy into Poles’ long-range vision.

In the end, no amount of spin can mask where this once-mighty franchise now stands – the Chicago Bears are bottom feeders lacking an identity. As fans, we have rooted for this team through triumph and heartbreak. We have proudly worn the navy and orange through eras of “Monsters” and “46” defenses. Our loyalty now lies in the hands of Ryan Poles to lead us out of the darkness.

It won’t happen overnight – the climb back to relevance requires smart investments via the draft and free agency to augment the pieces Poles already has in place. Had Poles committed to a full rebuild from the start, perhaps there could be patience. But trading assets for instant upgrades like Claypool signaled hopes of contending now, making this year’s results hard to stomach.

The McCaskey family has preached faith in Poles’ leadership, but words without visible progress means little. As we approach this offseason, Poles faces a referendum on his vision. With glaring holes across the roster, Poles can’t simply plug every leak in one cycle. But the eras of greatest success in Bears history have featured an identity – tough defense and smashmouth football. Poles would be wise to start constructing the next great Bears team around those principles.

As fans, we have supported far more incompetent regimes so Poles merits more time to lay a foundation. But the clock is ticking. We must see building blocks for the future taking shape on both lines of scrimmage. We must witness tangible growth in Justin Fields’ development, suggesting prior shortcomings were indeed the fault of previous coaches. And we must observe creativity and flexibility from the coaches to maximize talent.

Most importantly, being “close” is no longer good enough – we must begin seeing the fruits of Poles’ labors paying dividends in the standings. The McCaskeys can’t keep selling hope to a exhausted fanbase. Those privileges ended when Virginia took the family business public 30 years ago. It’s time for Ryan Poles to deliver on the promise that lured the Bears to make a 36-year-old first-time GM the steward of this charter NFL franchise.

The future remains cloudy, but my loyalty is unwavering. Speak it into existence – one day, I envision proudly proclaiming “Da Bears” have returned. But much work lies ahead and this lost era must end. As Bears fans, we have come too far to accept anything less. The rebuild begins now under Ryan Poles. So keep the faith…and bear down, Chicago.

Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!