Bears Angst

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April 22, 2022

The NFL season opened March 16 and the Bears' new regime went to work. Allen Robinson signed with the Rams. I know he was hurt most of last year but my guess is he will flourish with the Rams with Matt Stafford as his quarterback. The same day they released nose tackle Eddie Goldman. The next move was the trade of the oft injured Khalil Mack. It’s no coincidence that these three were the highest paid players on the roster.

 By trading Mack, new GM Ryan Poles pretty much signaled the Bears wouldn't be competitive in the two years left on Mack's contract. In this era, there have been many instances of teams going from worst to first (Cincinnati Bengals) but the Bears think they have to rebuild first. I hate the fact that the Bears hired another GM who is in training.  The Bears freed up money, though they weren’t going to spend in the first wave of free agency. This is where they may have acquired a playmaker to help out quarterback Justin Fields. Poles messed up his first foray by signing defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi who failed his physical.

Coach Matt Eberflus and Defensive Coordinator Alan Williams have their work cut out for them. The Bear defense returns only four starters from last year. Trevis Gipson, a 2020 draft pick, looked good last year and should one of the starting Defensive Ends..

Here is who the Bears have added on defense:

Linebacker Nicholas Morrow – Coming off his best year with the Raiders. Signed a one year prove-it deal for $3 million.

Defensive Tackle Justin Jones - Signed for $12 million over two years. More affordable than Ogunjobii but a marginal player at best. 

Defensive End Al-Quadin Muhammad - Though no Khalil Mack, he is a solid option to help out on the pass rush.

It would be amazing if Eberflus and Williams can get the defense to rank in the top 15 in the league. This is easier said than done. Poles primary focus should be locking up the Bears best defensive player, Roquan Smith.

Where Poles has failed more is on the offensive side of the ball. Fields will be wasted until he gets some playmakers. What Poles doesn’t realize is having a proficient offense with a 15^th ranked defense probably gets you in the playoffs.

The Bears ranked last in the league in sacks allowed. Last year’s first pick, Teven Jenkins, was injured for most of the year. Drafted as a Left Tackle and basically in his first year, the Bears have him playing Right Tackle. Larry Borom will be on the left .The Bears signed former Green Bay Packer Lucas Patrick to replace Sam Mustipher at Center. He may join veteran Cody Whitehair at guard.

The Bears did sign a couple of receivers but are still looking for wide receivers in the draft:

Byron Pringle – Despite being the fourth option on the Chiefs, he is coming off a breakout season. He is signed for only one year. He is perfect for the Bears as his base salary is only $4million to 6 with incentives.

Equanimeous St. Brown – Signed for less than $1million, he is basically a depth option.

It’s never a good sign when you sign players to one or two year contracts. These are stop gap players. Even if they have great years, other teams will offer more than the Bears. To that end, Poles said he likes to build through the draft. This will be hard to do with only six picks, none in the first. I guess Virginia McCaskey will continue to be pissed off while George Halas is spinning in his grave.