Ex-Head Coach Reveals Why Chicago Bears Will Steal The NFC North

The Chicago Bears finished 3-14 last season. When something like that happens, a team doesn't get the benefit of the doubt going into the following year. Rapid turnarounds might seem common in the NFL, but not as much as you'd think. The Bears are rebuilding. Everybody understands this. GM Ryan Poles tore the roster down to the foundation with the intent of stacking it with young talent, primarily through the draft. Years and years of relying too much on expensive free agents and trade acquisitions had to stop.

When discussing the 2023 season, most experts think the NFC North will be a two-team race. The defending champion Minnesota Vikings will look to keep their crown, while the Detroit Lions look like the heavy favorite to dethrone them after their red-hot finish in 2022. Green Bay might sneak into the conversation if Jordan Love can replace Aaron Rodgers' typical production. However, former head coach Eric Mangini thinks it is unwise to ignore Chicago. He explained why on The 33rd Team.

"Everybody’s darling is the Detroit Lions, and I loved what they did last season, the way they finished. The Minnesota Vikings and their ability to pull out close games was impressive as well.

But the progress the Chicago Bears have made this offseason, and where Justin Fields is heading, makes them a lot more dangerous team than anybody is envisioning them to be.

I love that Fields returned to college and got his degree. That shows maturity, leadership and perspective.

Look where he made progress: whether it’s completion percentage, quarterback rating, touchdown percentage or interception percentage. He improved in all those areas, so if he can make another significant gain — with what he does running the football — he will become that much more dangerous. His growth and maturity are exciting."

The Chicago Bears have set the table for Fields.

There is no question he has work to do as a passer. You can't average 149 yards per game through the air and expect to win much in this league. Mangini said it has to start with Fields being more willing to throw the ball. He averaged only 21.2 attempts per game, which is way down from his rookie season (27). Much of that was due to playing in a new offensive system with a rough supporting cast. His wide receivers couldn't catch the ball consistently, and his offensive line was porous.

Poles worked hard to address both problems this off-season. He added stud receiver D.J. Moore to the mix, along with talented 4th round pick Tyler Scott. Then he bolstered the blocking with veteran guard Nate Davis and 1st round offensive tackle Darnell Wright. Together with it being the second year in the same offense for Fields, there is every reason to think he will take a big step forward. If so, then Mangini is correct. The Chicago Bears will be a legitimate threat in the NFC North.