Former All-Pro Predicts Chicago Bears Take A Big Leap In Win Column

The Chicago Bears are one of the biggest wild cards going into the 2023 season. They were 3-14 last year, the worst record in the NFL. Unsurprisingly, several people think they won't be much better this year. Rebuilds take time. GM Ryan Poles tore the roster down and is now trying to build it back up. It is difficult to believe much will be different this year. Still, some believe Poles had a strong off-season, adding quality pieces like D.J. Moore, Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, and Yannick Ngakoue. With a big and athletic draft class, this team has plenty of upside.

One prominent person high on them is Maurice Jones-Drew. The two-time All-Pro running back now works as an analyst for NFL Network. He was asked to list which team he thinks will have the biggest turnaround this season. His answer was unexpected.

"The three-win Bears from a year ago are a much different team entering 2023. They have added talent on both sides of the ball, including some potent offensive weapons for Justin Fields to utilize in the passing game, which should result in at least five more wins. Another element in Chicago's turnaround this season has to do with Aaron Rodgers’ departure from the division. Jordan Love doesn’t own the Bears."

This season, five more wins would put the Bears at 8-9. While still a losing record, it would constitute a significant step forward for one of the youngest teams in the league. They would then enter a 2024 off-season with two 1st round picks and the second-most cap space.

The Chicago Bears need two things for this to happen.

Justin Fields must have a better year as a passer. His 1,143 yards rushing were great, but it can't overshadow how inconsistent he was through the air. Improvement should be expected. He has more weapons this season, a retooled offensive line, and enters his second season in the same offense. Progress is needed. The other point is the defense. They can't have another bottom-of-the-league finish. Giving up the most points in the NFL and having the second-worst run defense makes it hard to win games.

The Chicago Bears invested in that problem, too. Edmunds and Edwards immediately upgraded the linebacker spots. Ngakoue gives them a proven pass rusher. The expected improvement from Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon should also make their secondary even more formidable. Barring injuries, this group is good enough to be a top-20 defense. Together with a more balanced offense, the Bears can fulfill Jones-Drew's prediction. Five more wins is far from crazy, especially in a weak conference like the NFC.