Where Do The Struggling Chicago Bears Go From Here?
Updated: Sep 27, 2023
All off-season the Chicago Bears were viewed as dark horse candidates to win the NFC North and quarterback Justin Fields had real MVP buzz from the media.
The hype reached its peak when the Bears made a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers. Panthers sent star wide receiver D.J. Moore, first-round and second-round picks.
The hype only grew when they addressed a glaring weakness on the offensive line. Drafting right tackle Darnell Wright out of Tennessee to protect Justin Fields.
Since then this team has gone 0-3 and hasn't scored more than twenty points all season.
So what has gone wrong? Let's get into it.
The Defense Hasn't Improved
Last season in Matt Eberflus' first year as head coach of the Bear's defense was horrible. They ranked 32nd in points allowed, 30th in passing defense, and 31st in rush defense. I'll give him a pass for that as he took over a weak roster from the previous regime.
In the off-season, Chicago added Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and linebacker T.J. Edwards in free agency. They also signed edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue who has been a pass rusher specialist his entire career. They also had returning talent in safeties Eddie Jackson and Jaquan Brisker, cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, and linebacker Jack Sanborn.
Through the NFL Draft, they added defensive talent in defensive tackles Gervon Dexter, Florida, and Zaach Pickens, South Carolina, and cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson, Miami, and Terell Smith, Minnesota, and linebacker Noah Sewell, Oregon.
This season the Bears have been one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They rank 31st in PPG allowed, 29th in yards allowed, 20th in rush yards allowed, and 30th in passing yards allowed.
They added all this talent and don't seem to be an improved unit. So what gives?
The attention turns to Head Coach Matt Eberflus. Eberlfus is a former defensive coordinator for the Colts and hasn't gotten the production you'd expect a former DC to get. If anything this defense has regressed.
The Offense Has Taken A Step Back
On the subject of regression, this offense has been awful. There's no rhythm, no flow, and is hard to watch as a fan. In 2022 the Bears ranked 22nd in scoring offense, 1st in rushing offense, and 31st in passing offense.
In the off-season, they added wide receiver D.J. Moore, guard Nate Davis, tight end Robert Tonyan, and running back D'onta Foreman in trades or free agency
They also added Tennessee right tackle Darnell Wright with their first-round pick to help protect Justin Fields, Texas running back Roschon Johnson, and Cincinnati wide receiver Tyler Scott both in the fourth round of the NFL Draft to help a struggling offense.
You would think that would lead to a much better offense that can score through the air and on the ground. That's not what has happened at all.
They have fallen to the 27th-scoring offense, 17th-rushing offense, and 31st at passing offense. They have regressed in every aspect of the game. You can thank offensive coordinator Luke Getsy for that.
Quarterback Justin Fields has also regressed under this regime. What was once a bright spot for Bears fans has become a source of frustration.
This franchise has taken what was a guy out of college who was viewed as a franchise quarterback with elite arm talent, arm strength, and an elite runner has ruined his development.
It hurts to say this but it feels like Fields' time in Chicago is coming to an end. As a fan of his I hope he gets out of here. He has untapped potential that can be developed somewhere else.
What Needs To Happen For The Chicago Bears
It's time to end the Matt Eberflus Era. The Bears are on a 13-game losing streak, Eberflus has only won 3 games as head coach, and there has been zero improvement on the field.
It has been a disaster and it needs to end. They have made so many mistakes that I just can't excuse them. The passing of Jalen Carter who has looked like a star with the Eagles. Darnell Wright has been solid for us but Jalen Carter looks like the next elite 3 tech in the NFL.
What's Next?
To wrap it up this is a sinking ship. Don't be shocked if you see players request trades. This coaching staff has been horrible and it's time to move on.
The Bears welcome in the winless Denver Broncos. This game is going to be gross. People have been calling this the "Caleb Williams Bowl"
Bear Down always.
Make sure to follow me on X @WilliamLH21 for sports-related content.
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