Seems Ryan Poles Might Intervene In The Bears Season Finale

The Chicago Bears have nothing to play for in the season finale this Sunday. They're 3-13. Winning a meaningless game isn't going to provide any momentum going into 2023. Head coach Matt Eberflus may still try to sell that message, but people aren't dumb. They know there is a strong possibility half of the current roster won't be back next year. There is far more at stake if the Bears lose than if they win. A loss guarantees them the #2 overall pick with a chance to claim #1 if Houston wins. A win drops them to #4. It might seem a small difference, but history shows it can be huge in the draft. That might be why GM Ryan Poles is getting involved in personnel decisions ahead of the finale.

Eberflus was asked about what the plans are for Justin Fields going into the finale against the Minnesota Vikings. While the head coach reiterated the plan is for the quarterback to play if he's healthy, he also let an interesting nugget slip. Apparently, Poles will be involved in that decision. That is somewhat unusual. A GM has no reason to get involved in depth chart moves like this. However, the circumstances are quite different.

Fields is nursing multiple nagging injuries. His offensive line is banged up, having allowed 15 sacks in the past three games. Throw in the possibility of losing out at a top two pick, and it's easy to understand why he'd get involved.

Ryan Poles has every incentive to bench Fields.

The quarterback is banged up. He's done more than enough to prove he deserves another year as the starter. Risking further injuries in a meaningless game accomplishes nothing. Nathan Peterman can go in there and take the hits. It would also guarantee a 14th loss and the #2 pick. Every incentive points to Poles insisting Eberflus sit his young quarterback. Much of this may depend on the health of the offensive line. Teven Jenkins left the Lions game after aggravating his neck injury. He might be done for the year. Michael Schofield, their primary backup, also left with a knee injury.

If the Bears are throwing out third-string backups up front, it makes even less sense to play Fields. It comes down to how Ryan Poles thinks the locker room will react. He's put forth a constant message of trying to win. Players may not like sitting the quarterback in hopes of throwing a game. Fields himself may not like it. As always, it comes down to the big picture. The Philadelphia Eagles threw their season finale two years ago. That seemed to work out just fine for them. It is about what is best for the Bears.