GM Ryan Poles came into 2023 with a clear set of goals. He wanted progress from this team. While reaching the playoffs wasn't outright declared, he at least expected the Chicago Bears to look more capable. Justin Fields should show more progress as a passer. The defense should look more competent up front. It wasn't an unreasonable demand after such an aggressive off-season to upgrade the roster. Instead, the Bears have once again looked like one of the worst teams in the NFL, with back-to-back double-digit losses.
Nothing has gone right. Fields has two touchdown passes and three interceptions with a 70.7 passer rating. His performance in Tampa Bay may have been a low point with so many missed opportunities. Head coach Matt Eberflus isn't looking great either. His team continues to suffer from constant mental mistakes. The defense is 31st in points allowed and 29th in yards. Now, the Bears stare down the barrel of a trip to Arrowhead against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. If it weren't ugly already, this could make things diabolical.
NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic didn't mince words on the Hoge & Jahns podcast. Top members of Bears ownership and the front office aren't happy with how this team has looked.
The Chicago Bears have some decisions to make if this continues.
It's already becoming hard to deny that Fields won't survive beyond this season. He still has 15 games left, but nothing about this start suggests he has learned anything from his struggles last year. His ability to see the field as a passer remains mediocre at best. Worse still, he's not utilizing his legs as a weapon as often. Don't forget Poles didn't draft him. He chose to give Fields another season with more help in hopes he might turn the corner. Since that possibility grows more distant by the day, a change at quarterback feels inevitable.
The bigger question is Eberflus. Nothing about his tenure has gone right. His defense is terrible, and his 3-16 record is by far the worst any Chicago Bears head coach has produced through his first 19 games. If he doesn't win four of the next nine, he will surpass Abe Gibron for the worst start to a coaching tenure in franchise history. The guy has nothing to hang his hat on as a positive right now.
Poles may have voiced full support for Eberflus, but it may be out of his hands whether he survives beyond this year. New team president Kevin Warren had no say in his hiring. If he wants to make a change, he can. Poles will have to decide whether he wants to go out the door with him.
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