ESPN Gives Retooled Chicago Bears Offense Surprisingly High Ranking
The Chicago Bears made their mission obvious from the outset this off-season. GM Ryan Poles was determined to fix their lingering problems on offense. It is something that has plagued the organization for many years. Rather than start over at quarterback as many experts insisted, Poles wanted build around Justin Fields. It was a refreshing air of practicality for Halas Hall. The Bears could never know if Fields was their guy unless they invested in him properly. So large portions of dollars and draft picks were spent to upgrade every position on the offensive side.
It’s hard to hate anything that was done. Poles acquired a proven go-to receiver in D.J. Moore, drafted right tackle Darnell Wright in the 1st round, added veteran tight end Robert Tonyan, experienced guard Nate Davis, and promising depth pieces Roschon Johnson and Tyler Scott. It is a strong mix of veteran experience and youthful speed and athleticism. There is no reason to think this new group can’t take a considerable leap in 2023 if everybody stays healthy. Even Bill Barnwell of ESPN gave them a semi-respectable spot in his new rankings.
17. Chicago Bears
“2022 rank: 31 | 2021 rank: 26
Operation “Get Justin Fields a Top Wide Receiver” landed a legitimate No. 1 this offseason in former Carolina star DJ Moore. Moore has stayed healthy and productive, outside of a curious aversion to touchdowns, despite subpar quarterback play. He’s coming off arguably his worst season as a pro, as he played virtually every snap and managed only 888 receiving yards, but he is still just 26. Moore was the best wideout the Bears could have added this offseason, and he’ll be a major help for Fields in 2023.
The move pushes Darnell Mooney back into the No. 2 role, where he excelled in 2021. The cumulative numbers don’t look great when you consider he dropped from 1,055 receiving yards in 2021 to 493, but that was driven by a late-season injury and the move toward an extremely run-heavy attack…
…The Bears beat out the Bucs because of what they offer at running back. Khalil Herbert benefited from Fields’ gravity as a runner, but the second-year back generated 1.3 rushing yards over expected per carry last season, way ahead of then-teammate David Montgomery, who came in at -0.3 RYOE. General manager Ryan Poles upgraded by swapping out Montgomery for D’Onta Foreman, who has ably filled in for the likes of Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry over the past couple of seasons. Roschon Johnson’s versatility should earn him a spot in the rotation as a rookie.”
Everything hinges on Justin Fields.
He was the straw that stirred the drink last season. Almost everything the Bears accomplished as an offense was thanks to his individual exploits. He led the team in rushing and somehow squeezed an 85+ passer rating out of the worst receiving corps in the NFL. For the first time in what feels like too long, it felt like the quarterback carried the offense rather than the offense carrying the quarterback. It is for this reason optimism is high for what this team can accomplish in 2023.
Another person under careful scrutiny is Luke Getsy. Head coach Matt Eberflus hired him as offensive coordinator because of his popularity with players and his experience in the wide-zone system. His first year wasn’t bad, producing the #1 rushing attack in the league. However, he must get things to evolve in Year 2, especially through the air. Improved protection, a deeper receiving corps, and a more experienced quarterback should help with those efforts.