Keys To A Chicago Bears Resurgence In 2023
Bears rookies will report to Halas Hall in seven days, with veterans reporting a day later. The first day of workouts is Wednesday, July 26th. The first practice open to the public is July 27. And suddenly, the second season of GM Ryan Poles will be off and running.
Last year was a train wreck, by all accounts. The defense couldn’t stop the run, and their pass rush was pathetic, sacking the opposing quarterback just 20 times. The ENTIRE defensive line accounted for only 10 sacks. Their team leader in sacks was Safety Jaquan Brisker. The offensive had a prolific running game, but the offensive line allowed 58 sacks.
The 2023 Bears are currently a mystery. We see various predictions from various outlets, from a six-win team and last in their division to a worst-to-first team and a playoff berth. While Ryan Poles has done a remarkable job retooling his roster, much work is still needed. If the Bears will surprise this year, here are some keys to a successful season.
The Defensive Line
Ryan Poles invested heavily in the DL this offseason. He signed DeMarcus Walker to a three-year, $21 Million contract. Walker is coming off his best season with seven sacks and is still only 28 years old. In the draft, Poles added three more defensive linemen. Gervon Dexter in round two, Zach Pickens one round later, and Travis Bell was selected in round seven.
Holdovers from last year include Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson. Robinson flashed early in 2022 but disappeared from the stat sheet after beginning the year with 1.5 sacks in the San Francisco game. Gipson had three sacks last year. Both players are being counted on to improve their sack total this season.
The key to Matt Eberflus’ defense is the front four. Without the missing piece of a dominant edge rusher, this unit must be stout against the run and able to get more than the ten sacks they had last year.
Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool
With an actual top-tier WR in Chicago and the offense in its second year in offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s offense, the expectations for Justin Fields making a massive step in performance this season are high. Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Tua all had big jumps in their third year, and all three entered year three with that top-tier WR. D J Moore is that WR for Fields. But the importance of both Mooney and Claypool will be critical for the growth of the Bears’ passing game. We have seen positive glimpses of Mooney, who looks good running routes in videos recently and has added upper body strength. Claypool appears to be ready to go as well.
Their production will be needed. While Moore will get the most targets, Mooney and Claypool can make Fields’ job much easier with their contributions.
The Revamped Offensive Line
Free agent Nate Davis and first-round draft choice Darnell Wright form a new right side of the line, and Teven Jenkins moves to left guard. Cody Whitehair returns to his role as center. Most forget, Whitehair earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018 when he was the center. On paper, this new line is far better than we have seen in years. Time will tell if they can find the cohesiveness needed to be a formidable line protecting Justin Fields.
Justin Fields
With what appears to be a better line and a roster full of offensive targets, this season’s success lands squarely on the shoulders of third-year quarterback Justin Fields. It is apparent Fields has put in countless hours this off-season, working with receivers and honing his footwork and release. After the minicamp, Fields continued his prep work for the season. Justin Fields has worked hard with Mooney, Kmet, and other receivers. Now it’s time to see that work pay off.