Chicago Bears Send Loud And Clear Message With 2 Bombshell Moves

The Chicago Bears seem like they're slowly unraveling. They've lost 13 in a row dating back to last season. Their first three games of 2023 were all double-digit blowouts. Their defense has been porous, and quarterback Justin Fields has somehow regressed. If that weren't bad enough, players have begun speaking out against the coaching staff. Fields himself already did it last week. Now wide receiver Chase Claypool joined in, stating he feels offensive coordinator Luke Getsy isn't using him properly.

Well, it appears the team has decided to send both players a message in the most direct way possible. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Bears will make Claypool a healthy scratch against the Denver Broncos. Equanimeous St. Brown will get his first action of the season. The Bears will also make rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent active, promoting him officially to the backup spot. It appears head coach Matt Eberflus isn't messing around anymore.

"The Bears are shaking up their offense ahead of today's game against the Broncos.

Sources say wide receiver Chase Claypool will be inactive, the first game he will miss this season. This comes on the heels of his comments to the media this past week in which he wondered if he's being put in the best position to succeed by the Bears coaching staff.

In addition, there will be a new backup quarterback behind Justin Fields. Sources say Tyson Bagent, a former undrafted rookie free agent, will assume the role of No. 2 QB moving forward. The decision has nothing to do with Fields' standing, but it does have to do with a young, promising QB deserving a promotion from No. 3 to No. 2."

The Chicago Bears are showing some accountability.

Certain people think Claypool was speaking the truth about the coaches this week. Whether you agree or not, it doesn't change the fact that airing out his frustrations in public does nothing to help the team. It only creates more distractions. Besides that, it's not like the receiver has taken advantage of his opportunities. He's been targeted 14 times this season and only caught four passes. He claims they aren't using him right. In reality, he hasn't played well enough. His receiving has been poor. His blocking is even worse. St. Brown isn't anything special, but at least he gives maximum effort.

Rapoport might've said the Bagent decision has nothing to do with Fields, but anybody with common sense knows that isn't true. If Fields were playing well, there would be no reason to elevate the rookie to the active roster. Nathan Peterman is just as good at carrying a clipboard as anybody. However, Fields is floundering with more interceptions than touchdowns. His confidence appears to be in the toilet. If he underperforms against a Denver Broncos defense that just allowed 70 points last week? Elevating Bagent feels like the only course of action remaining. Promoting him is the first step in that process.

The message to Fields is clear. Either step up your game, or the Chicago Bears will give the kid a shot.