Chicago Bears: Why Ryan Pace should get a pass on these two 2021 “mistakes”

There was a different feeling in the air just four months after the 2020 season ended for the Chicago Bears. After the Bears lost in the Wild Card round, fans had their pitchforks ready to storm Halas Hall — and rightfully so. The team had not lived up to expectations over the last two years and fans wanted to see one of or both Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy go. Fans also wanted to see the end of Ted Phillips — again rightfully so.

I get the sense that many fans have come to forgive Ryan Pace after his 2021 offseason though. What changed after those four months? The 2021 NFL Draft is what changed. When the Chicago Bears traded up for Justin Fields in the first round and Tevin Jenkins in the second round, fans were (and still are) excited about what the future holds for this team.

The Chicago Bears and Ryan Pace still deserve criticism

It has not been sunshine and rainbows though. Fans have not been happy with all of the moves Ryan Pace has made this offseason. In fact, those who wanted to see Ryan Pace gone still had their pitchforks drawn up until the 2021 NFL Draft. Things have settled down a bit now, but if the team struggles in 2021 (they will), some of those fans will still call for Pace’s head despite claiming how well he did in the 2021 NFL Draft. This is a “what have you done for me lately” league.

Honestly, I believe that Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy will see a contract extension at the end of the season as long as Justin Fields shows promise and the team pushes or makes the playoffs. This could be tough with how difficult the Bears schedule is this season, but that is why we (they) play the games. It’s also why the phrase “any given Sunday” exists.

If the team struggles, Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy may not be back in 2022 and most fans will point to these two “mistakes.” The thing is, Pace should get a pass for these two “mistakes” though.