There is no way to sugarcoat the first half of the 2023 season. With a record of 3-7, the same record after ten games in 2022, there has been one disappointment after another in 2023. The effect this season has had is devastating. Everywhere one turns, dozens of articles predict gloom and doom for the future of this franchise. It isn't hard to find stories offering up the following:
Ryan Poles will be fired.
Matt Eberflus will be fired.
The Bears will trade Justin Fields.
Even with 2 first-round picks in 2024, the Bears will find a way to screw it up.
The predictions of all these sad outcomes are all based on the writer's perspective, of course. Just looking at the team and their record from 35,000 feet will do that.
Undoubtedly, the roster has improved under the direction of GM Ryan Poles. Any story you read that predicts a new GM in Chicago next year just doesn't make sense. Poles has done an exemplary job tearing down an aging and expensive roster into a roster on the rise.
As for Matt Eberflus and Justin Fields, while there is a lot of speculation as to their futures in Chicago, here are four things to watch over the last seven games of the season.
1: Can Justin Fields Continue His Upward Trend Coming off Injury
The offense has seen a mixed bag of results this year. They started slowly, then picked up steam after starting the season 0-3. Fields came out looking vastly different in week 4. Only a defensive collapse in the fourth quarter against Denver prevented a win. The lack of effective play-calling in week 2 and the collapse against Denver prevented what could have been a 2-2 start to the season. After a decisive win at Washington, Fields dislocated his thumb the following week against Minnesota.
Despite missing the last 4+ games, Fields is tied for 7th place with 11 touchdown passes.
Fields must show a better command of the offensive when he returns. There needs to be an improvement in getting the ball out on time. The OL has gelled well as they got healthy and Justin needs to show what he can do in the last 7 games.
2: Luke Getsy Must Improve On Game Day
Luke Getsy's game plans have been the subject of criticism all season. They have been ultra-conservative and lacking all season. As an example, the game plans early were screen-heavy. When they played a blitz-happy defense when they faced Minnesota, no screen passes. This against a team that would be susceptible to a well-executed screen pass.
Against New Orleans, Tyson Bagent was performing well for three quarters. Suddenly Getsy changed the plan and kept Bagent locked in the pocket. The offense never got past midfield in the fourth quarter.
With a record of 3-7, Getsy needs to let Fields loose the rest of the season. Let him cook!
3: The Offensive Line Is Starting To Gel (Finally)
As the season began, there was hope the offensive line would be vastly improved in 2023. Injuries have derailed those expectations until recently. The line has improved over the last three games. Before the season, the anticipated starting line was to be Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Cody Whitehair, Nate Davis, and Darnell Wright. That lineup has never started together all season. Even when Nate Davis returns, it is doubtful we will ever see that line. Cody Whitehair has been terrible at center, and Lucas Patrick has played well.
With improved live play, hopefully, we will see the offense continue to improve.
4: Continued Improvement From The Defense
The team has struggled defensively despite a much-improved rushing defense. Chicago has allowed a league-best 3.2 yards per carry through ten games. However, the passing defense has not been effective. Before their last game, the defense had only registered 10 sacks. The soft zone played allowed far too many completions underneath the coverage, and the unit simply couldn't get off the field. The addition of Montez Sweat has made a difference. It will be important to have the defense provide shorter fields to allow for a more wide-open offense for the rest of the season.
